Steinway Overpass Update

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Astoria community leaders agreed last week on a $15 million plan for the Steinway Street Bridge that limits vehicular access during a 26-month reconstruction period.
"I am pleased that we were able to work with the elected officials and the community and that we can move forward with the temporary bridge alternative," said DOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall, who met with Councilman Peter Vallone, Assemblyman Michael Gianaris and Community Board 1 District Manager George Delis on September 2 to negotiate a plan that would minimize the impact on the neighborhood and its merchants.
Under the reconstruction project, DOT will install a temporary two-lane bridge that permits the flow of northbound Steinway Street traffic. However, southbound traffic will detour to an alternate overpass at 37th Street for the next 16 months.
The temporary overpass, a prefabricated steel bridge, will be placed over a third of the Steinway Street Bridges footprint, while construction will begin on the remaining two-thirds of the bridge. DOT estimates two-way traffic will be restored after 16 months of construction. After that, the temporary bridge will be removed, and reconstruction will begin on the other portion. A pedestrian overpass is expected in the next three months.
"We all look forward to the time when a new, permanent overpass is in place and normalcy returns to our local streets," said Gianaris. "I am confident that this plan is the best alternative to make that happen."
Other options were discussed during the meeting, including complete closure of the bridge and reconstruction over a 19-month time frame. This alternative would have prohibited pedestrian access and rerouted both northbound and southbound traffic. "We have worked closely with DOT to determine the safest, fastest and most convenient option for the community considering the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this project," said Vallone.
The rehabilitation project was hamstrung in late July after two 35-ton concrete slabs collapsed during heavy rain, slamming into a car driving on the Grand Central Parkway and injuring the motorist.
The investigation of the collapse is still ongoing and no details have been released yet, said DOT spokesman Tom Cocola.
"Obviously when something is determined, we will share that with everybody," he said.
James Fanelli is a freelance writer.