The Queens-Midtown Tunnel has partially reopened following what Mayor Eric Adams called a "small leak" of water.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation says a drilling contractor doing investigative work for the East River Esplanade project accidentally perforated a 2.5-inch hole in the outside edge of the tunnel. The EDC is continuing to investigate how and why this occurred.

"Earlier today, a subcontractor to EDC's design consultant doing preliminary investigation work on the East River Esplanade drilled a small perforation in the outer casing of the Queens Midtown Tunnel. Water entered the southbound tunnel's roadway through ventilation ducts. Engineers are on site to evaluate any damage and begin on repairs, and the northbound tunnel has been temporarily converted to handle two-way traffic while the southbound tunnel is closed. We are working closely with City Hall, NYCEM, MTA, and other city agencies as we continue to respond," said an EDC spokesperson.

MTA Bridges & Tunnels says the leak was discovered at 12:30 p.m. and that both tunnels were closed immediately.