Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the official commencement of construction on a $1.5 billion public-private partnership (PPP) to replace the Goethals Bridge with a new state-of-the-art cable-stayed bridge. The replacement bridge will connect Staten Island with Elizabeth, New Jersey and serve as a key thoroughfare for the transport of billions of dollars of goods and millions of travelers throughout the region.

The new bridge will include additional wide travel lanes and 12-foot shoulders that will ease congestion and accommodate anticipated future traffic volumes. The upgraded bridge will also enhance the efficiency of the New York Container Terminal, while making accommodations for future growth at the site. The Container Terminal sits at the mouth of the bridge and serves as Staten Island’s largest private employer.

“Today we are launching a project that will serve travelers in the New York City region for generations to come,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Goethals Bridge is a vital artery of the transportation network that connects millions of commuters throughout the New York City region, and our administration is moving aggressively to make its replacement a reality. After a decade of negotiation, construction on the new bridge is finally moving forward and I look forward to seeing its swift completion.”

“Governor Cuomo has made it clear that the Port Authority must focus its efforts on improving the region’s critical transportation infrastructure and serving as a job creator and economic engine for New York,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye. “After years of environmental and permitting red tape, the Port Authority today begins construction on its first new bridge in 83 years and the entire region will soon see major benefits as a result. Congestion across this major thoroughfare will be lessened for millions of drivers, and thousands of jobs will be created during the construction process.”

The Goethals is the first surface transportation project built as a true PPP in the Northeast Region. The project will create more than 2,250 direct construction jobs and generate $224 million in wages and $872 million in economic activity for the region.

Along with additional wider travel lanes and 12-foot shoulders, the new Goethals Bridge will provide state-of-the-art smart bridge technology, including Roadway Weather Information Systems that collect environmental data such as wind speed, visibility, and pavement temperature. The bridge will also feature a Traffic Detection System that uses sensors embedded in the roadway to provide alerts on traffic build-up so incident response plans may be quickly implemented.

Additionally, the new structure will restore pedestrian access to the Goethals Bridge with a pedestrian/bicycle pathway, providing a safe, scenic passageway for recreational enjoyment. The replacement Goethals Bridge will have a 100-year service life, will be built to include options for mass transit in the future, and will comply with the Buy America requirement on steel.

(YWN Desk – NYC)