By Gina Martinez
Construction is set to begin on the Jewel Avenue bridge over the Van Wyck Expressway in Fresh Meadows.
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Cathy Calhoun said the bridge is set to get $13 million in repairs to enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
According to DOT, construction will also include the entrance ramp from Jewel Avenue to the southbound Van Wyck Expressway and the exit ramp from the southbound Van Wyck Expressway to Jewel Avenue. Construction is scheduled to be completed by spring 2019.
On Monday the DOT announced the project includes repairing the bridge decks and structural steel. The entire length of the main bridge will be paved, and the bridge sidewalks will be reconstructed. Existing streetlights and traffic lights will be upgraded to include LED lighting, and new drainage scuppers and fencing will be installed. Safety improvements will be made to bike lanes within the project limits.
“Gov. Cuomo is working hard to provide a smart, modernized transportation infrastructure that will benefit New York City’s citizens and support the economy long into the future,” Calhoun said. “This project will provide a reliable bridge and smooth riding surface for the many motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who travel across it each day.”
The project also involves installing additional signage and roadway striping along Meadow Lake Drive.
Three retaining walls will be repaired along the eastbound Long Island Expressway: between 58th Street and Maurice Avenue; between Junction Boulevard and 97th Place; and at the exit ramp at 138th Street, DOT announced.
Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Hillcrest) said repairing the bridge is a worthwhile investment.
“This project is an important step forward to ensure that the Jewel Avenue bridge is safe for pedestrians and motorists to use for many years to come,” he said.
Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmart
