An entrance to the New Jersey-bound Holland Tunnel is expected to close sometime Monday.
The Hudson Street approach will remain closed until 2015 as workers fix the underground pipes.
The tens of thousands of commuters who leave the city every day through the Holland Tunnel will have to use the Varick Street, Watts Street or CanalSstreet entrances.
Crews have already narrowed Hudson Street from four lanes to two.
"It's too many cars and people trying to get in the tunnel," one driver said.
Workers will repair water mains under the street and connect them to the city's new water tunnel.
Approximately 48,000 vehicles use the tunnel every day.
