The upper level of the George Washington Bridge was closed to traffic heading into New York City Thursday morning after a person died in an incident that authorities are investigating as a crash.
The closure caused significant traffic delays near Fort Lee, New Jersey, as drivers were diverted to alternate routes. Traffic on the bridge’s lower level was reported to take about an hour, adding to congestion for commuters traveling toward Manhattan.
Video from the scene showed a large police presence as authorities investigated. Officials had released few details about the circumstances surrounding the death, and the Port Authority Police Department had been contacted for additional information, according to News 12.
Authorities have described the incident as a crash investigation. Further details, including the events leading up to the person’s death, had not been confirmed in the available information.
The closure also drew attention because of a separate deadly shooting on the George Washington Bridge earlier in the week. Investigators said that shooting may have stemmed from a road-rage encounter. The earlier case involved the killing of a Con Edison worker, and a retired New York City police detective was arrested in connection with the shooting, according to a report by News 12.
It remains unclear whether the two incidents are connected. Authorities have not provided information establishing a link between them.
Drivers heading into New York City were advised to account for delays and consider alternate routes while the investigation continued. Travelers should check current traffic updates and official Port Authority advisories before setting out.
This article will be updated as authorities release additional confirmed information.
