Photo from Metropolitan Transportation Authority.In 2012, Hurricane Sandy ripped through New York City, badly damaging the Hugh L. Carey and Queens Midtown tunnels. Now, six years later, work to restore and upgrade the two tunnels has been completed, The Associated Press reports. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other elected officials were in Queens to celebrate the completion of the work July 20.
During the storm, saltwater flooded both tunnels, damaging their electrical and lighting systems. The tunnels now feature 50,000-pound steel floodgates to protect them from floods, as well as energy-efficient lights and cashless tolling technology.
The federal government supplied more than $400 million of the $550 million cost to restore and upgrade the tunnels. The work was completed nine months ahead of schedule.
