Bridge Over Troubled Waters: What Commuters Can Expect from Road Repair Efforts

The good news is that Roslyn residents can look forward to much needed repairs of the local viaduct which carries almost 40,00 commuters across the southern end of Hempstead Harbor daily. The “bad” news is that drivers and commuters will have to endure the repercussions of major construction set to begin the week before Thanksgiving.

The construction effort is being made to replace the steel girder viaduct with precast concrete segments and many anticipate significant commuting tie-ups and delays.

Still, officials note that even if temporary problems are part of the reconstruction effort, they remain committed to the project. Yet, during the construction phase, the bridge’s four lanes will be reduced to only three, with two westbound lanes open from 6 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon and two eastbound lanes open for operation from 3 to 10 p.m. And, transportation officials recommend travelers rely on alternate routes during this time frame, which they anticipate will continue into the spring of 2008.

And, some have already experienced the impact this project will have. Just in the preparatory phase commuters got a taste of the additional traffic and congestion as well as of other problems, such as a crane accidentally catching a power line and taking down a poll and resulting in closing down the viaduct, according to officials. Not to mention turning a 3 minute ride into one that lasted for over and hour. Officials note, that this is only the beginning, with some suggestion that the state and the construction company take better collaborative measures to divert traffic and prevent future mix-
ups and emergencies.

The Department of Transportation revealed it’s plans to monitor traffic and post electronic signs on Northern Boulevard to warn and caution motorists both on Glen Cove Road and Mineola Avenue.

The construction effort was originally expected to begin in 2003 and cost approximately $88 million, but due to bids coming in higher, the cost is now anticipated at around $127 million.

With all these issues and potential problems, such as heavy blockage of traffic perhaps in an emergency, most (still) agree than repair IS necessary, but many remain skeptical about it being handled in the best possible way.