GOVERNOR OPENS NEW LANES ON MARINE PARKWAY-GIL HODGES BRIDGE
Three-Year, $95 Million Rehabilitation Project is Now Complete
Governor George E. Pataki today announced the opening of the newly reconstructed lanes of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge connecting the Rockaway Peninsula and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. All four lanes of the bridge are now open following the completion of a three-year, $95 million rehabilitation project.
"The Rockaways were among the communities hardest hit by the tragic events of last September and October, so it's a special privilege for me to be here with you today to re-open this bridge," Governor Pataki said. "I especially want to express my appreciation to the residents of the Rockaways and Brooklyn for their support and cooperation as we turned a 65-year old structure into a brand new bridge."
The rehabilitation project included replacement of the entire concrete and steel roadway deck, widening of the traffic lanes, installation of a new center median, repainting of the whole structure, new electrical and traffic signals and the installation of tower flood lighting.
MTA Chairman Peter S. Kalikow said, "The rehabilitation of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge has resulted in a safer, more efficient crossing for our customers. Our investment in renewing this magnificent facility will ensure that it will continue to serve residents of the Rockaways and Brooklyn and the many tourists who will visit this community for decades to come."
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "The reconstructed lanes of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Bridge comes at the time that we open our great beaches. Rockaway is in the midst of its rebirth and the people of this great Peninsula look forward to greeting our guests from Brooklyn and surrounding communities. We welcome the reopening of the bridge and look forward to having safe transport to and from other parts of our great city. I would like to thank the Governor and the MTA for their commitment in making this bridge new again."
Senator Carl Kruger said, "I am privileged to join Governor Pataki today to celebrate the reconstruction of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge. This project is a testament to the Governor's commitment to the people of Brooklyn and to improving our local communities. We thank him, we applaud him and we are proud to call him our friend."
Senator Malcolm Smith said, "New development in the Rockaways is part of a strategy that will create 'Hampton West.' It is a time of opportunity and promise for a long neglected part of our city. The reconstruction of the bridge assures needed access. I thank the Governor for his continued support and cooperation."
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer said, "I am thrilled at the speed and ease at which this project was completed. With the summer traffic and beach season quickly approaching, this community will benefit greatly from the opening of these new lanes."
Assemblyman Frank Seddio said, "I am very pleased that the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge has been completed. This bridge is a vital link between the Rockaways and Brooklyn and was long in need of a major overhaul. I am gratified that the work has been completed so thousands of motorists who use the bridge on a daily basis will have a trouble-free commute."
Congressman Anthony Weiner said, "This is a great day for the people of the Rockaway Peninsula and the thousands of people who visit there every year."
MTA Bridges and Tunnels worked closely with the local community in the development of the project. Many of the community's suggestions were incorporated into the design and schedule of the work. The duration of the project was reduced to two summers from the originally planned three summers to minimize impact on the beachfront community. In addition, pre-cast concrete panels were installed on the roadway deck eliminating the prospect of load restrictions that would have prevented trucks and buses from using the bridge during construction.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Michael C. Ascher said, "MTA Bridges and Tunnels would like to thank the community of the Rockaways and Brooklyn for their cooperation and patience as we undertook and completed this important project. We join them in looking forward to a great summer season."