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October 29, 2020
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MTA Announces Roadway Improvements on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Merge to Gowanus Expressway Will be Completed Two Months Ahead of Schedule |
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The Addition of a Fourth Lane will Reduce Congestion During Morning and Afternoon Rush
Fort Hamilton Parkway Exit Receives a Second Lane Improving Access to Brooklyn
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that a major phase of the construction to improve traffic flow from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the eastbound Gowanus Expressway is on track to finish this month, two months ahead of schedule. The newly widened roadway will reduce congestion for drivers heading into Brooklyn and Manhattan, especially during the morning and afternoon peak periods.
The roadway portion of the project includes opening a fourth lane on the eastbound Gowanus Expressway and widening the segment of the roadway from 92nd Street to the Fort Hamilton Parkway exit, reducing traffic-weaving, improving safety and eliminating a current bottleneck that results in traffic back-ups.
Motorists will collectively save an estimated 1,000 hours daily and more than 360,000 travel time hours annually. The time savings amounts to the elimination of more than 1,500 tons of carbon emissions per year.
"This project is an example of how MTA Construction & Development is completing projects faster and cheaper than ever before, even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “But, to continue delivering projects like this — projects that save our customers time and help cut traffic and air pollution — we need Washington to step up and provide billions in emergency relief to offset the MTA’s pandemic-related financial crisis.”
“I am excited for drivers who travel on the Verrazzano for access to Brooklyn and Manhattan to experience these improvements that will save them time, and make their journeys safer,” said Daniel DeCrescenzo, President of MTA Bridges and Tunnels. “And I want to thank the city and state agencies who worked with the MTA to finish this part of the project ahead of schedule.”
Work was completed to expand the Fort Hamilton Parkway exit ramp to two lanes and add a fourth eastbound lane from the Verrazzano to the Fort Hamilton Parkway exit. The project will continue to implement additional sign improvements on the westbound roadway heading to the Staten Island-bound Verrazzano. Variable electronic message signs (VMS) and advance lane-use signals will be installed to enhance the motorist experience.
The Gowanus Expressway, part of I-278, runs six miles between the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Hugh L. Carey (formerly Brooklyn-Battery) Tunnel/Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Interchange. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, an average of more than 60,000 vehicles per day traveled eastbound from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the Gowanus Expressway.
The $18 million contract was awarded to DeFoe Corporation in December 2019 and the entire project is expected to be completed by summer 2021, well in advance of the planned December 2021 completion date. MTA Bridges and Tunnels partnered with regional transportation partners including the New York State Department of Transportation and New York City Department of Transportation to expedite delivery of this project in a cost-effective manner.
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