Latest news with #MTAConstructionandDevelopment
Time Out
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time Out
The Verrazano Bridge is getting a $250 million makeover—will it affect your commute?
The MTA just approved a $249 million plan to give the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge its biggest upgrade in decades—and if you're one of the 220,000 drivers who cross it daily, you're probably wondering: How bad is this going to mess with my commute? The good news is probably not much. The multi-year project, greenlit this week, will install a cutting-edge dehumidification system on the bridge's four main suspension cables. It's designed to prevent corrosion, extend the bridge's lifespan by decades and keep traffic moving safely for years to come. 'This is a new system for us,' said Jamie Torres-Springer, president of MTA Construction and Development. 'It's a widely accepted method of preventing steel cable corrosion around the world.' In short, moisture is the enemy, and this system keeps humidity levels inside the cables below 40-percent, which is the sweet spot for structural health. Similar systems are already in place on the George Washington Bridge and are underway on the RFK, with plans to expand across the MTA's entire suspension bridge portfolio. As for traffic, the MTA says the impact will be minimal. Most work will be done overnight and any weekday lane closures will be limited to off-peak hours—after the morning rush for Brooklyn-bound lanes and before the evening rush heading back to Staten Island. Off-peak lane closures are expected to begin in spring 2026, giving commuters a heads-up well in advance. No full bridge closures are planned. The project has been in the works for over a year, but nearly stalled last summer when Governor Kathy Hochul put New York City's congestion pricing plan on hold. Once the tolling plan got revived last fall, so did the Verrazzano repairs. Originally opened in 1964, the Verrazzano is a vital artery for cars, trucks and more than 30,000 daily bus riders. This upgrade aims to keep it that way, with a little less rust and a lot more resilience.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MTA blasts through bedrock to create new access at Grand Central
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — It's more than the opening of a new staircase at Grand Central in Manhattan. Riders are always looking for better ways to get around stations. The most recent project around Grand Central is a new blueprint for completing and funding projects. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Direct the flow and your attention to a new staircase along the No. 7 train platform at Grand Central-42nd Street. More than 450,000 people use the complex on an average weekday. Marita is a daily No. 7 train rider to and from Grand Central. 'It feels very bright and open. I thought I got off at 34th Street. It's opened up congestion and keeps us from falling all over each other,' she said. Riders can position themselves near the center to back of the train to step on to the new staircase. 'This station is super congested. To get from here to the street level is always a problem,' said Anthony Triolo. More Local News The new staircase and passageway connect the No. 7 train platform to the escalators leading to the station mezzanine. 'Go straight up to Grand Central and not using the passageway that leads to the Lexington line. That always becomes overcrowded,' said Jackson Wong. MTA officials brought video of the blast work through New York City bedrock. MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said new technology allowed work to happen without impacting train service. The projects total about $700 million around the Grand Central complex. They are funded in large part by developers. Midtown Rezoning created a new model. 'It allows developers to get a little more height and a little more space in what they build in exchange for major improvements to transit,' said MTA Chairman Janno Lieber. The MTA is negotiating with other building owners for new improvements in Midtown. The concept also is in place for other locations around the system. New elevators are being built with a similar program. The MTA said the entire Grand Central-42 Street Circulations Improvement Project will be completed later this year. It includes replacement of eight escalators, a new fare control area, new wayfinding, lighting, signage, architectural improvements on the mezzanine, and additional state-of-good repair work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
