You Told Us is a regular feature in which we highlight comments from users in the communities DNAinfo New York covers.
MURRAY HILL — Neighbors of the Queens Midtown Tunnel are being driven mad by early-morning construction noise and late-night honking from cars stuck in traffic, they say, and have flooded the city with 311 complaints since work began last year.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently doing Hurricane Sandy-related repairs inside the tunnel, which requires nightly closure of one tube, leading to the non-stop traffic jams as cars queue up in a bottleneck, honking away and leaving neighbors tossing and turning.
To make matters worse, roadway construction at the entrance and exit plazas between East 36th and East 37th streets gets started about 7 a.m., waking residents with the sound of jackhammers and other machines, they said.
Here’s what readers — including some who say they live nearby — had to say about the noise from the tunnel after DNAinfo reported on the issue:
According to one reader, the problem boils down to poorly behaved motorists.
► “It is a daily nightmare for the people who actually live right here in Murray Hill; motorists disregard the rights of the elderly, the disabled, and just the general populace who have to go through 4 hours a day of motorists honking their Horns just to HONK!” wrote a commenter on Facebook.
One reader said that a key to calming the honking is for drivers to know what they’re getting into.
► “Lane closures in the Tunnel need to be better advertised and signage presented early enough in approaching streets for motorists to re-direct. I live near 41st and it is unacceptable to have round-the-clock angry horn honking on a regular basis!” a reader wrote on Facebook.
Some commenters said the “no honking” signs the MTA put up are useless.
► “The no honking signs referred to in this article are 11x14 paper tacked to light poles, not visible to drivers. Briefly last year they had big lit no honking signs, but without enforcement, those too were mostly ineffective. Responding to requests last year, MTAB&T also put out lit signs alerting drivers to the closure, but they are no longer using those signs,” said Neighborhood Square commenter Kathaleen.
According to several readers, the traffic police aggravate the noise problem.
► “In addition to all the cars honking (which does nothing except create noise pollution!) it's actually the over zealous cops on the corner using their whistle non-stop! They should be using hand signals first and the whistle only when needed!” wrote Neighborhood Square user amy-slack
► “In my opinion, the traffic cops are a joke. They are more often seen chatting with their co-workers than directing traffic and are no where to be found at some of the most clogged intersections like 38th Street and 2nd Avenue. I almost get hit daily because of cars going down 2nd Avenue, then blocking the box trying to get through the yellow light,” wrote apointe.
But other readers said people might just need to get used to the noise and accept the importance of the construction projects.
► “Things that fall apart have to be fixed, you know? Just deal with it or move back to the 'burbs. Be patient,” wrote Neighborhood Square commenter pat263.
► “I know that it is a major inconvenience for all of the residents, but it is essential to get things done in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” wrote pvaldezriverajr.
