NEW YORK CITY, New York County, N.Y., Oct. 22, 2026 — A motorcyclist died Wednesday morning, October 21, in a crash with a tractor-trailer on the upper level of the George Washington Bridge, according to Port Authority police. The crash shut down eastbound lanes of the Trans-Manhattan Expressway and backed up traffic for miles during the morning commute.
Port Authority police said the crash happened at about 5:19 a.m. on the eastbound upper level of the bridge. Port Authority police, FDNY crews and Port Authority Tunnel and Bridge agents responded.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. The tractor-trailer driver was not hurt, according to the report.
The crash forced several lane closures and sent backups through Fort Lee and along approaches to the bridge. Fort Lee police posted officers at traffic points around the borough and asked drivers to find other routes while crews cleared the scene. All eastbound upper-level lanes have since reopened, and congestion eased as the morning went on.
The crash remains under investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died.
Local Crash Information for New York City, NY
The fatal crash was reported in New York City, in New York County. For more crash news from the area, see our New York County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does driver fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
It can. Long hours behind the wheel slow reaction times, and fatigue is a factor investigators routinely check in commercial truck crashes, especially those during early morning or overnight hours.
What should I do after a crash involving a commercial truck?
Call 911, stay clear of traffic if possible, and let police and medical responders document the scene. Get checked out even if injuries seem minor, and get the names of responding agencies and any report number for your records.
Why do large trucks take so much longer to stop than cars?
A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh twenty times what a passenger vehicle weighs, and that extra mass means far more distance is needed to slow down or stop, particularly at highway speeds.
What makes crashes between trucks and smaller vehicles or motorcycles so dangerous?
The size and weight gap between a truck and a motorcycle or car is large, so a collision can transfer much greater force to the smaller vehicle and the person riding or driving it.
What to Do After a Motorcycle Crash in New York, NY
If you or someone you know is involved in a motorcycle crash, get medical care right away, even if you feel fine at first. Some injuries, especially to the head or joints, don't show symptoms immediately. Keep copies of any police report, medical records and photos of the scene if it's safe to take them. If the crash involved a commercial vehicle, note the company name and any markings on the truck, since that information can be hard to track down later. Riders in New York City can also contact the NYPD or Port Authority police, depending on where the crash happened, to confirm how to obtain an official crash report.
