Here Are Renderings Of The Fancy New Kosciuszko Bridge
Image: NYDOT
When not dealing with love locks, the Department of Transportation actually undertakes a lot of important tasks like creating new bike lanes and repairing roadways. The department is also in charge of building and maintaining bridges in the city and, in case you missed it, a new Kosciuszko Bridge has been in the works for some time. Now, we’ve got further details and our first look at the feat of engineering.
The current bridge, which spans the Newtown Creek and connects Greenpoint to Maspeth, Queens, has been deemed “unsafe and structurally unsound for the long term,” DNAinfo reports, and will be demolished sometime in 2017. Meanwhile the new bridge will feature these sparkling amenities:
Once complete, the new Kosciuszko Bridge will improve traffic safety, reduce congestion and improve travel speeds on this segment of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) by including wider driving lanes; standard shoulder widths; extra lanes in both directions; and a reduced road incline, which will make it easier for trucks to maintain consistent speeds on the bridge. These improvements are projected to reduce motorists’ delays by more than 65% during peak hours.
The DOT recently awarded a $550 million contract for the first phase of the bridge with an additional $220 million needed to complete the project. Meanwhile the old Kosciuszko Bridge will operate until 2017 when it will be demolished.
Image: NYDOT
Of course, the construction has residents worried that they may soon have to deal with everything from noise pollution to vibrations to home damage and accordingly, the city has hired a community liaison to deal with the issue. If you think you’ll be affected by the construction, feel free to attend the next meeting about the bridge on Wednesday, July 16 at Sunnyside Community Services (43-31 39th St. near 43rd Ave.) or contact the DOT at 347-988-4412 or kosciuszsko@dot.ny.gov. And check here for updates on the progress of the bridge.
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