Staten Island Reporter

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $28.5 million project to rehabilitate two bridges along the Staten Island Expressway (Interstate 278). The bridges, which carry Woolley Avenue and Bradley Avenue over the expressway, received new bridge decks and substantial improvements to extend their service life by an estimated 40 years and reduce future maintenance needs.

"New York State is committed to rebuilding our infrastructure and ensuring that our transportation network remains safe and reliable, allowing our communities to stay connected and our economy to grow," said Governor Hochul. "The completion of this project on Staten Island will ease traffic and enhance public safety through this heavily traveled corridor by improving and modernizing these structures."

The project commenced in June 2022, involving replacement of concrete bridge decks, sidewalks, steel bearings, painting structural steel, repairing beams and concrete on pier columns and abutments. New concrete safety barriers replaced steel railings. Both bridges were rehabilitated simultaneously to expedite construction.

Street lights were replaced, pavement markings added, intersections resurfaced within project limits. Existing curb ramps were upgraded per the Americans with Disabilities Act standards; traffic signals were also replaced with Accessible Pedestrian Signals for visually impaired pedestrians.

Advanced technology was utilized to preserve the service life of both bridges. Link slabs made of concrete connected adjacent spans continuously, eliminating joints requiring regular maintenance due to moisture leakage. Polyester Polymer Concrete provided waterproofing protection for bridge columns and abutments.

"Governor Hochul is committed to making New York’s transportation infrastructure more resilient in communities across the state," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "With advanced technology, this important project builds resiliency into these structures and enhances public safety while reducing associated maintenance costs."

Representative Nicole Malliotakis noted the necessity of rehabilitation after over sixty years of heavy commuter traffic: "By making significant structural repairs and ADA upgrades, we’ve improved bridge safety and extended the service lives of these structures for an additional forty years."

State Senator Andrew Lanza expressed gratitude towards Governor Hochul: "I thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for the rehabilitation of these two bridges to improve safety and resiliency for motorists."

Other local officials echoed appreciation for the project's completion:

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton emphasized community support: “Ensuring our bridges can effectively support the community...is key to protecting residents’ well-being.”

Assemblymember Charles D. Fall highlighted pressing infrastructure needs: “Upgrading Woolley Avenue and Bradley Avenue bridges significantly enhances safety...essential for residents' prosperity.”

Assemblymember Sam T. Pirozzolo praised innovation: “With these improvements including advanced innovation...the SIE will be safer.”

Staten Island Borough President Vito Fosella underscored priority on safety: “Safety must be top priority...we welcome more improvements.”

New York City Council Member Kamillah Hanks commended BRIDGE NY funding: “Rehabilitation is crucial for ensuring transportation network resilience against climate change impacts.”

New York City Council Member David Carr acknowledged constituents' relief at project completion.

About NYSDOT:

The mission of the New York State Department of Transportation is providing a safe, reliable, equitable transportation system connecting communities while enhancing quality of life.

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