The George Washington Bridge has been reopened after a deadly accident shut down the bridge early Thursday morning.

Police say two tractor-trailers en route to New York City collided at around 2 a.m., killing one driver and injuring the other. The accident investigation and removal of both trucks took nine hours before lanes were reopened.

With the bridge closed, drivers sought out alternate routes during the morning rush hour. Alternate routes, including the New York Thruway heading to the Tappan Zee Bridge, quickly became clogged with traffic.

The Port Authority says since both tractor-trailers became lodged together, extra equipment was needed to separate them and remove them from the bridge.