Serious accident causing 'significant delays' around U.S. Open in Shinnecock Tuesday evening, USGA says

A serious accident has led to "significant delays" on roadways in Southampton surrounding the U.S. Open tournament at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the USGA media hub said Tuesday evening.

"Due to a serious single-vehicle traffic accident on County Road 39 west of the pedestrian bridge near Shrubland Road, local authorities are implementing traffic restrictions in the area. Emergency response efforts, including a medical evacuation, are underway," the statement from the United States Golf Association said in the tournament's media hub.

"As a result, transportation operations and departures from the championship grounds are expected to experience significant delays. The westbound lane is currently closed, but due to reopen shortly," the hub said. "Fans, as well as media, should plan for heavier traffic and extended travel times leaving the course."

The accident came on top of morning traffic snarls that turned travel to a crawl early Tuesday in Southampton, although most abated by late morning. Officials had warned conditions may get worse as the week goes on — with the U.S. Golf Association expecting upward of 150,000 fans this week at the 126th U.S. Open Tournament at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.

Tournament play officially begins Thursday, with practice sessions at the course held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Town of Southampton has urged drivers to avoid the area in advance of the tournament, announcing comprehensive travel plans to and from the site coordinated with the U.S. Golf Association, hoping to "minimize vehicular traffic and congestion in the immediate vicinity, neighborhoods, and roadways surrounding Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and local properties being utilized during the championship."

Those plans involve temporary train platforms and pedestrian bridges to provide access via the Long Island Rail Road, as well as remote parking and shuttle bus service to and from the course.

In a statement Tuesday, USGA spokesperson Julia Pine said: "We are expecting approximately 150,000 fans on site throughout the week. For comparison, attendance in 2018 was closer to 160,000. We have intentionally set this year’s capacity slightly lower to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. "

While drivers can expect travel challenges in the area all week and through the weekend, the 511NY website also is warning of potential traffic nightmares west of New York City, with games part of the FIFA World Cup beginning Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey..

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.