Cross Bronx Expressway Crash Sparks Gridlock, Paralyzing George Washington Bridge Traffic

A major multi-vehicle collision shut down a critical section of the Cross Bronx Expressway during the Friday morning rush. The incident occurred just before 5 a.m. on November 21, 2025, near the Jerome Avenue exit. All eastbound lanes were blocked for hours, causing a massive traffic backup.

The resulting gridlock severely impacted travel across the George Washington Bridge. Commuters faced extreme delays stretching for miles into New Jersey.

Chaotic Scene on a Vital Artery

The crash involved five vehicles, including a commercial truck. Emergency crews from the FDNY and NYPD responded immediately to the scene. According to Reuters, two individuals were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Initial reports suggested a possible fuel leak from one of the vehicles. Fire department officials quickly contained the scene and later confirmed no hazardous materials were spilled. The cleanup and investigation forced a complete closure of the eastbound lanes for several hours.

Traffic cameras showed vehicles at a standstill for miles. The blockage created a domino effect on all major approaches to the George Washington Bridge.

Regional Commute Thrown Into Disarray

The impact of the single crash rippled across the entire New York metro area. Delays on the George Washington Bridge exceeded 90 minutes at their peak. The upper level was particularly affected, with traffic backed up onto the New Jersey Turnpike.

Drivers seeking alternate routes flooded other Hudson River crossings. The Lincoln Tunnel and Holland Tunnel subsequently experienced significant delays of their own. This secondary congestion demonstrated the fragility of the region’s interconnected highway system.

Public transportation also suffered. NJ Transit warned bus commuters of delays up to 30 minutes. The morning commute for thousands was effectively ruined.

Infrastructure Vulnerabilities Exposed

This incident highlights the persistent vulnerability of New York’s key traffic corridors. The Cross Bronx Expressway is notoriously prone to disruptions. Any incident there can paralyze a significant portion of the city’s traffic flow.

Emergency response was praised for its speed and efficiency. Yet, the hours-long delays underscore a systemic issue. There are few viable alternatives for the volume of traffic that relies on this route daily.

Officials continue to urge drivers to use real-time traffic apps during their travels. They also recommend public transit where possible, despite the delays.

The Friday morning Cross Bronx Expressway crash served as a stark reminder of the region’s traffic fragility. While emergency response was swift, the resulting gridlock exposed deep-seated infrastructure challenges. The event will likely fuel further discussion on the need for more resilient transportation networks in the New York City area.

Info at your fingertips

What time did the Cross Bronx crash happen?

The multi-vehicle collision occurred around 4:45 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025. It happened during the early stages of the morning rush hour.

Were there any serious injuries reported?

Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported. Two people were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to initial fire department reports.

How long were the George Washington Bridge delays?

Delays reached their peak at over 90 minutes. The upper level of the bridge was severely affected, with traffic backing up deep into New Jersey.

Did the crash cause a fuel spill?

No. The FDNY confirmed that despite initial concerns, there was no hazardous material or fuel leak from any of the vehicles involved in the incident.

What other travel routes were affected?

The Lincoln and Holland tunnels saw major delays as drivers sought alternatives. NJ Transit bus routes also experienced significant holdups due to the widespread congestion.

Has the road reopened fully?

All lanes were reopened by late morning. However, it took several additional hours for the monumental traffic backlog to fully clear.