A motorcyclist was killed in a crash involving a tractor-trailer on the George Washington Bridge Thursday morning, causing major traffic delays and lane closures heading into New York City.

Port Authority police say the crash happened at about 5:19 a.m. on the eastbound upper-level Trans-Manhattan Expressway. Port Authority police, FDNY and Port Authority Tunnel and Bridge agents responded to the scene.

Authorities say the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

The crash prompted multiple lane closures and caused miles of backups through Fort Lee and on approaches to the bridge.

Fort Lee police urged drivers to avoid the George Washington Bridge area for several hours, warning that traffic disruptions could continue as officials worked the scene. The department said numerous officers were assigned to traffic posts throughout the borough to help manage congestion and advised commuters to allow extra travel time.

As of Thursday morning, one left lane on the eastbound upper level of the Trans-Manhattan Expressway had reopened, though delays remained significant.

The crash remains under investigation.

The incident is drawing added attention after the deadly shooting on the bridge earlier this week that investigators said stemmed from a possible road rage encounter.