Falling ice closes part of GW Bridge, some streets in Manhattan

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Thursday, December 19, 2019
Falling ice closes part of GW Bridge, some streets in Manhattan
Naveen Dhaliwal reports on the falling ice causing delays throught New York City.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Falling ice forced officials to close the upper level of the George Washington Bridge and some streets in Manhattan on Wednesday.

Word of the closures began coming in around 10 a.m., and there were reports that one person was injured near Columbus Circle.

At first, authorities announced three lanes on the eastbound upper level of the GW Bridge were being closed due to falling ice.

Shortly thereafter, the entire upper level was ordered closed, and drivers were advised to use the lower level.

Two lanes to New York have since reopened, but delays of more than 90 minutes were reported.

In Lower Manhattan, the Port Authority announced it was closing some streets around the World Trade Center site, near Church and Dey streets.

The area near Columbus Circle was also closed after a 55-year-old man sustained minor cuts to the nose and lips when he was struck by falling ice at West 58th Street and Seventh Avenue around 10:15 a.m.

He refused medical attention at the scene.

Broadway is closed between West 57th Street and West 59th Street, while Seventh Avenue is closed between Broadway and West 58th Street.

The city issued this statement regarding that closure:

Due to police activity, expect traffic delays, road closures and a heavy presence of emergency personnel on West 58th street between 7th Avenue and Broadway, Manhattan. Consider alternate routes and allow for additional travel time.

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