Breach of Queens-Midtown Tunnel exposes safety gaps, experts say

The Queens-Midtown Tunnel puncture in September 2024 highlights weaknesses in underground infrastructure communication systems. Experts say the region lacks a unified mapping system for underground utilities, hindered by post-9/11 security concerns and institutional rivalries. Professor Debra Laefer notes, "One of the things that makes managing the underground difficult is you've got public, you've got private, you've got city, you've got state, there's even federal" infrastructure. The incident underscores the need for better information sharing to prevent future mishaps and improve construction safety.