Third Avenue Bridge in New York Closed in All Directions Due to Overheat: Watch

A historic New York bridge literally couldn't take the heat and stopped working as temperatures soared Monday, stopping just short of three digits.

Summarized Insights:

• Third Avenue Bridge overheated.

• Stuck halfway open on Monday.

• FDNY cooled hydraulics with water.

• Heatwave caused steel expansion.

• Bridge closed, no injuries reported.

The Third Avenue Bridge, a critical connection between the Bronx and Manhattan, was shut down after it got stuck halfway open due to overheating machinery, according to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). 

The incident occurred on a day when New York recorded its hottest temperature of the year at 95 degrees, prompting a heat advisory that remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Marine units from the FDNY were called to the scene around 2:45 p.m. Monday to water down the bridge's hydraulics. 

The cooling operation continued until almost 6:45 p.m., during which the bridge was closed to all traffic. 

New York's Third Avenue Bridge got stuck due to high temperatures. The steel expanded more than allotted space and bridge couldn't close. Didn't see much noise about this on SM. Imagine if it happened in India. pic.twitter.com/54893unRAp

— Yogini (@yoginisd) July 10, 2024

Video footage from the incident shows the 126-year-old swing bridge halfway open as boats spray water on it in an attempt to reduce the temperature and allow the machinery to function again.

The issue began when the bridge was opened around 2:45 p.m. to let a ship pass through the Harlem River. 

However, it was unable to return to its closed position due to the heat expansion of the steel components. 

This expansion prevented the bridge from aligning correctly, rendering it inoperative and causing a significant traffic disruption.

The overheating of the bridge machinery highlights the broader impact of the ongoing heatwave affecting much of the United States. 

Record-high temperatures have been reported from Portland to Phoenix, with heat advisories and warnings in place across multiple states. 

The extreme heat is not only a health hazard but also poses challenges to infrastructure and daily operations in urban environments.

Firefighters worked diligently to cool off the overheated bridge, using marine units to spray water directly onto the affected areas. 

Their efforts were aimed at reducing the temperature of the steel and hydraulic systems to a level where the bridge could be safely operated again. 

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, according to the FDNY.

The Third Avenue Bridge, built in 1898, is an essential transportation link for commuters and residents in New York City. 

Its temporary closure caused significant delays and detours for motorists, highlighting the vulnerability of aging infrastructure to extreme weather conditions. 

The incident underscores the need for ongoing maintenance and upgrades to ensure the reliability of such critical structures, especially in the face of climate change and increasingly frequent heatwaves.

As temperatures continue to rise, cities across the country are grappling with the effects of extreme heat on both people and infrastructure. 

This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the importance of preparedness and resilience in urban planning.

Local authorities and emergency services remain on high alert as the heat advisory persists, urging residents to take precautions and stay hydrated. 

The National Weather Service has advised individuals to avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours and to seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible.

In conclusion, the overheating and subsequent malfunction of the Third Avenue Bridge in New York City is a clear example of how extreme weather can disrupt daily life and infrastructure. 

The swift response by the FDNY and the efforts to cool the bridge highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. 

As cities continue to experience record temperatures, it is crucial to invest in resilient infrastructure and adaptive measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat.