MTA Secures Seven Bridges With Wind Safety Ban

MTA restricts empty tractor-trailers on seven bridges from 4 p.m. to midnight Monday

MTA Bans Trucks on 7 Bridges Due to High Winds

Drivers of empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks won't be able to cross seven MTA bridges Monday evening due to forecasted high winds. MTA Bridges and Tunnels announced the ban will take effect at 4 p.m. March 16, 2026, and last until approximately midnight. The restriction affects all empty tractor-trailers, piggyback trucks, dual trucks, and triple trucks crossing MTA-operated bridges in the New York area.

Safety Measure Targets Wind-Vulnerable Vehicles

The ban is being implemented as a safety measure in response to forecasted high winds that pose risks to high-profile vehicles, MTA officials said. Empty trucks and tandem configurations are particularly vulnerable to strong crosswinds on bridge spans due to their height and reduced weight. Transit agencies routinely restrict these vehicle types during wind advisories to prevent accidents and potential bridge closures. The operational period for this restriction may be adjusted based on current weather conditions and updated forecasts, though officials didn't specify what wind speeds would trigger extensions or early lifting of the ban.

Seven Major Crossings Affected by Restriction

The truck ban applies to the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Cross Bay Bridge, Henry Hudson Bridge, Marine Parkway Bridge, Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. These seven spans carry thousands of commercial vehicles daily across New York City's waterways. Officials didn't provide estimates of how many trucks typically use these crossings during the affected timeframe or what alternate routes drivers should consider. The restriction covers the eight-hour window from late afternoon through midnight Tuesday, March 17.

Ban Takes Effect Monday Afternoon

The restriction begins at 4 p.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, and continues until approximately 12 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, according to MTA Bridges and Tunnels. Officials said all times and restrictions are subject to change based on weather developments. Customers can sign up for real-time email and SMS alerts from MTA Bridges and Tunnels, though officials didn't specify how far in advance drivers would receive notifications of timing changes.

Drivers Advised to Monitor Conditions

Motorists should expect the ban to affect commercial traffic patterns Monday evening, particularly drivers of empty trucks who'll need alternate routes or delayed crossing times. Officials didn't say whether loaded tractor-trailers or other commercial vehicles face restrictions. Drivers can monitor real-time conditions and any changes to the restriction period as weather conditions develop. Moovit provides real-time transit updates and trip planning for New York area transportation, helping riders navigate service changes and restrictions.