Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $17 million project to rehabilitate a key bridge carrying Astoria Boulevard over the eastbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway exit ramp to the eastbound Grand Central Parkway.
The construction project, which got underway in December 2020, rehabilitated the bridge’s roadway deck with new rust-resistant steel beams and upgraded the lighting along the roadway.
“Revitalizing our transportation infrastructure across New York to better serve our communities is one of my top priorities, which is why we invested in rehabilitating this bridge carrying Astoria Boulevard — a vital connection along a corridor that not only provides access to LaGuardia Airport but is also home to many store and businesses in Queens,” Hochul said. “This project builds on the success of our initiatives to enhance mobility and safety for motorists while also supporting the local and regional economies for decades to come.”
The new rust-resistant beams reduce the need for painting. It also features stainless-steel rebar to prevent corrosion inside the roadway deck and has fewer joints in order to reduce water leakage and minimize damage to structural elements. The project also gives motorists a smoother riding surface.
“This successful bridge rehabilitation project is an important step toward improving access to LaGuardia Airport and smoothing traffic flow in the entire nearby area,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “Motorists who use this section of Astoria Boulevard will soon find getting to LaGuardia and other locations in Queens to be much easier and safer.”
Additional improvements include a new drainage system, LED lighting above and below the bridge, bridge safety barriers, fencing and upgraded utilities including new water, electric and gas lines.
“This bridge is a critical link between two main transit arteries in Queens, one that has proven dangerous,” state Senator Jessica Ramos said. “As the upgrades to LaGuardia Airport continue, I’m deeply appreciative of the investments in making sure the surrounding areas get the care they need to handle the expected increased traffic for the long-term.”
The project was carried out by the state’s Department of Transportation and it also features a new sidewalk on the south side of the bridge that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“New York is investing in the types of projects that create a more resilient transportation network and enhance the safety and integrity of our roads and bridges,” NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “This much-needed project in Queens will improve travel on one of the borough’s most important roadways and represents our continued commitment to modernizing our infrastructure.”
