Drivers on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge should expect added delays over the next year, as the MTA repairs the 66-year-old span’s roadway deck.
Construction on the $136 million project kicked off this weekend with one of the six lanes closed. A barrier was put up to keep traffic moving while the deck is removed and replaced lane by lane.
During the morning rush, Bronx-bound traffic will have three lanes and drivers headed to Queens will be able to use two. That will be reversed for the evening rush.
“The bridge is a vital travel link, and its deck has to be replaced,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnel President Michael Ascher.
“There is no way to make it painless, but we believe this design will reduce congestion as much as possible.”
The project is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2006. The MTA says motorists should consider such alternate routes as the Throgs Neck or Triborough bridge.
Nearly 1.7 billion vehicles have crossed the Whitestone since it opened in 1939.