Queens-Midtown Tunnel Manhattan approach tunnel tube will be closed over the weekend from July 8 – July 11, 2011. (ehavir / Flickr)
MANHATTAN — The East 37th Street entrance to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel reopened on Wednesday. Cars can now access the tunnel through that entrance on weekdays between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m., MTA officials said.
The entrance will not be available to trucks or buses.
The change is part of an effort to ease traffic congestion on Second Avenue, officials said.
“Second Avenue is one of the city’s most heavily-traveled thoroughfares, and traffic frequently backs up for blocks with cars trying to access the Queens-bound tunnel,” said the tunnel’s general manager, Renee Shepherd. “We believe this change will ultimately save motorists time while alleviating congestion along the avenue.”
Reopening the East 37th Street entrance between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. means that cars driving south along Second Avenue can access the tunnel by turning right on either East 40th or East 38th streets, and then making another right onto the tunnel access street.
Drivers on First Avenue can make a left onto East 37th Street to enter the tunnel directly without having to divert to Second Avenue. They can also make a left from First Avenue onto East 39th Street to access the tunnel approach street.
The MTA will install road signs to alert drivers to the changes. Trucks and buses must continue to enter the tunnel via Second Avenue at East 36th Street.
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By Mary Johnson, DNAinfo.com
Follow Mary on Twitter @mjohns422
