New Concrete Deck, Reconstructed Piers and Other Repairs Enhanced Safety and Improved Travel Along Vital Commuter Artery
Parking Lot Serving Citi Field, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and Flushing Meadows Corona Park Also Refurbished
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $124 million project that rehabilitated a key viaduct along the Van Wyck Expressway, Interstate 678, between 57th Avenue and the Long Island Rail Road in Queens. The project – which included the replacement of concrete decks, the reconstruction of the concrete piers and other repairs – enhanced safety and improved resiliency on one of the region’s busiest travel arteries; and extended the service life of the structure by approximately 40 years. Additionally, a parking lot directly underneath the structure that is used by visitors to the United States Tennis Association’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Citi Field and Flushing Meadows Corona Park was refurbished.
“The Van Wyck Expressway is a crucial route for New Yorkers traveling to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport and it is vital to the economic well-being of New York City,” Governor Hochul said. “The modernization of this important segment of infrastructure will enhance the traveling experience for all motorists and improve traffic flow. The refurbishment of the parking lot below the viaduct will also improve access to some of the biggest attractions in Queens, which will spur tourism and further boost the local economy.”
Built in the early 1960s, the viaduct had suffered extensive deterioration. The refurbishment project, which began in late 2020, replaced the concrete deck along a 2,200-foot stretch of the structure and reconstructed or repaired other vital elements, including the concrete piers, structural steel and deck joints. Localized deck repairs were also performed north of the deck replacement limits (between the Long Island Rail Road and Northern Boulevard), with defective concrete replaced with polyester polymer concrete to improve rideability and durability.
Bearings (which transfer the structure’s loads to the concrete piers) were also replaced, as were sections of concrete decks on two entrance ramps from College Point Boulevard north and south leading to the northbound Van Wyck Expressway. New signage and highway and underdeck lighting were installed; and drainage structures were cleaned and repaired to improve stormwater runoff and boost resiliency against severe weather. Traffic management equipment, including a camera and fiber optic cables, were also upgraded.
The parking lot underneath the viaduct, which has spaces for 565 vehicles, was milled and resurfaced, with new pavement markings and concrete parking curbs added.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to make critically important investments in our infrastructure that will reconnect communities and improve sustainability and resiliency. The completion of this Van Wyck Expressway viaduct rehabilitation project is a milestone in State DOT’s ongoing efforts to enhance safety along a vital travel corridor that provides access to John F. Kennedy Airport.”
Representative Grace Meng said, “The Van Wyck Expressway is a crucial artery in my district serving many Queens residents. The completion of this project will enhance travel and improve safety and resiliency for this heavy traveled highway, and I’m thrilled that federal funding, especially money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, made these renovations possible. As New York’s representative on the Regional Leadership Council – which works to promote and implement legislation signed by President Biden – I’m proud that our borough continues to reap the benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped pass in Congress.”
State Senator John Liu said, “Our heavily used transportation infrastructure is in constant need of monitoring, maintenance and upgrades, and Van Wyck commuters as well as visitors to Flushing Meadows Corona Park and its many amenities, are much better served by these safety and resiliency improvements. Thank you to Governor Hochul and the NYS DOT for prioritizing our highways and parking lots here in Flushing.”
Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “Often the most essential government work is less than glamorous. I’m thankful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to our local infrastructure, ensuring safety and resiliency for all our public works.”
Assemblymember Sam Berger said, “I applaud Governor Hochul on her steadfast commitment to our state's infrastructure. The completion of this project will undoubtedly benefit the Queens community for generations to come.”
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “The rehabilitation of this important viaduct along the Van Wyck Expressway is another major step forward in the ongoing improvement of our borough’s transportation infrastructure. Motorists who use the Van Wyck will experience safer and smoother rides thanks to the completion of this extensive rehabilitation work. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and state Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for making this project a priority.”
Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “The Van Wyck Expressway is a critical transportation corridor for Queens communities and the entire city and region. Keeping our vital infrastructure in a state of good repair is important for the long-term safety of New Yorkers and all travelers. The completion of this project marks a milestone in our state’s efforts to rehabilitate sections of the Van Wyck Expressway, and I look forward to their continued work and partnership to enhance this busy artery in our city.”
Councilmember Sandra Ung said, “The completion of this project ensures that this section of the Van Wyck Expressway will be a safe and critical transportation artery through the heart of Flushing, including for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit Flushing Meadows Corona Park every year. I want to thank Governor Hochul for bringing this project to fruition, as well as local residents for their patience while the work was completed.”
Councilmember Francisco Moya said, “The rehabilitation of the key viaduct along the Van Wyck Expressway brings brand new travel infrastructure to this vital roadway and will provide commuters with better access to the many points of interest around Queens, including JFK Airport. I thank Governor Hochul and the State Department of Transportation for their commitment to improving road conditions and ensuring safer travels for all.”