The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of another critical stage of roadway reconstruction for the Brooklyn upper level approach ramp to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge from the Gowanus Expressway, marking an important milestone for the $143 million reconstruction of the Verrazzano’s upper level approaches and roadways over the anchorages. The completion of this stage of work improves access to the bridge’s upper level from the Gowanus Expressway with a new, wider and smoother roadway surface, easing the traffic flow for customers.
While more work remains to reconstruct the upper level roadways over the Brooklyn and Staten Island anchorages, the early completion of the current stage of work is a significant achievement, completed five months ahead of schedule. The early completion of this work was another successful milestone of the Governor’s NY Forward acceleration initiative along with the recently completed addition in October of a fourth lane to the Verrazzano’s eastbound Gowanus approach and the implementation of split tolling which took effect on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we are getting projects done in a safe way, and in many cases – like here at the approach to the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge – getting them done ahead of schedule,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “But, to continue delivering projects like this — projects that save our customers time and help cut traffic and air pollution — we need Washington to step up and provide billions in emergency relief to offset the MTA’s pandemic-related financial crisis.”
“All motorists who commute between Staten Island and Brooklyn will be able to experience these roadway and customer environment improvements,” said Daniel F. DeCrescenzo Jr., President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels. “The Verrazzano is a vital regional crossing and these upgrades will benefit drivers for decades to come.”
The project to reconstruct the upper level approaches and anchorage roadways is a vital state-of-good repair effort and features a full replacement of 1960s-era concrete roadway decks and barriers. The newly installed deck and barrier comprises more durable concrete and corrosion-resistant reinforcing to achieve a service life of 75 years. The new roadway deck was also designed to reduce the number of joints, thereby improving rideability and reducing long-term maintenance needs. All these improvements increase the deck’s longevity and reliability, which are critically important for this high traffic-volume crossing.
In addition to the roadway deck and barrier replacement, this project will also replace other critical infrastructure. The roadway lighting system will be replaced and upgraded with high-efficiency LED luminaires, a new fire standpipe system will be installed, as well as new drainage inlets and downspouts which are designed for greater capacity, compliant with current standards. These improvements will provide a significant safety benefit to the facility and the motorists who use it.
For more information on MTA Bridges and Tunnels, visit https://new.mta.info/bridges-and-tunnels.