NYPD advising drivers to avoid Verrazano due to suicidal man on lower-level

The 68th Precinct is advising drivers to avoid the lower-level Staten Island-bound section of the Verrazano Bridge for the time being as police respond to a man contemplating jumping off the bridge.

The closure began this morning at around 10 a.m., creating extensive local traffic delays, especially on the Staten Island-bound section of the bridge, as traffic was diverted to the upper-level. According to the 68th, NYPD officer are currently on scene and expects the closure to be in effect until at least 1:00 p.m.

UPDATE:

According to police, the man was rescued shortly before 2 p.m. by NYPD Special Ops.