July 10, 2009 Fire shuts down Throgs Neck Bridge Play video

(NECN/WABC) - A three-alarm fire broke out around 5:30 this morning morning on the Throgs Neck Bridge in the Bronx, shutting it down in both directions.

Both bridge approaches instantly became clogged with traffic causing major delays for commuters into the Bronx and Queens.

The blaze started on a construction platform underneath the structure.

Authorities immediately closed the bridge in both directions as the fire rapidly spread.

The location of the fire made it difficult for fire fighters to get to.

FDNY marine boats were on hand assisting in putting out the flames.

The fire spread under the bridge, from the Bronx-bound to Queens-bound lanes.

The bridge connects the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx with the Bayside section of Queens.

It was opened in 1961 and was built to relieve traffic on the adjacent Whitestone Bridge.

No injuries have been reported at this time.