New Roadway Deck and Steel Beams Enhance Safety and Improve Travel on Heavily Traveled Roadway
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $17 million project that will enhance safety and improve driving conditions on the bridge carrying Astoria Boulevard over the eastbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) exit ramp to the eastbound Grand Central Parkway in Queens. The bridge, a well-traveled roadway that serves as important access route to LaGuardia Airport, has been rehabilitated with a new roadway deck, new rust-resistant steel beams, and upgraded lighting.
"Revitalizing our transportation infrastructure across New York to better serve our communities is one of my top priorities, which is why we invested in rehabilitating this bridge carrying Astoria Boulevard — a vital connection along a corridor that not only provides access to LaGuardia Airport but is also home to many stores and businesses in Queens," Governor Hochul said. "This project builds on the success of our initiatives to enhance mobility and safety for motorists while also supporting the local and regional economies for decades to come."
The project replaces the bridge's existing steel beams with new, rust-resistant beams to reduce the need for painting. It features stainless-steel rebar to prevent corrosion inside the roadway deck and has fewer joints in order to reduce water leakage and minimize damage to structural elements. The project also gives motorists a smoother riding surface.
Additional improvements include a new drainage system, LED lighting above and below the bridge, bridge safety barriers, fencing, and upgraded utilities including new water, electric, and gas lines. The project also features a new sidewalk on the south side of the bridge that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York is investing in the types of projects that create a more resilient transportation network and enhance the safety and integrity of our roads and bridges. This much-needed project in Queens will improve travel on one of the borough's most important roadways and represents our continued commitment to modernizing our infrastructure."
State Senator Jessica Ramos said, "This bridge is a critical link between two main transit arteries in Queens, one that has proven dangerous. As the upgrades to LaGuardia Airport continue, I'm deeply appreciative for the investments in making sure the surrounding areas get the care they need to handle the expected increased traffic for the long-term."
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "This successful bridge rehabilitation project is an important step toward improving access to LaGuardia Airport and to smoothing traffic flow in the entire nearby area," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Motorists who use this section of Astoria Boulevard will soon find getting to LaGuardia and other locations in Queens to be much easier and safer. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and State Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for making this work a priority."
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