Transit Authority

Q: What happened to the Third Avenue Bridge? It seems a touch strange that a whole bridge would be removed. Was it replaced entirely?A: The Third Avenue Bridge between Manhattan and the Bronx was indeed swapped out, after more than 100 years of service.Over the summer, you may have noticed a new bridge, almost fully constructed, sitting in the Harlem River next to the original, 2,800-foot Third Avenue Bridge, which was broken down into two pieces and removed by barge on July 2. The new bridge, built in Mobile, Ala., was completed on-site by crews that installed sidewalks, wiring, lighting, and electrical systems. It was placed into position by six tugboats October 29 and opened to traffic December 6.According to documents obtained from the city Department of Transportation, the project cost $118 million, a tad less than what the New York Mets agreed to pay for seven years of the baseball player Carlos Beltran’s services. As part of the project, all ramps leading to the bridge are being replaced with newer versions.The new bridge, a swing bridge like its predecessor, features “a state of the art electrical and mechanical control system,” the documents say, and it will comply with the current seismic code.I noticed some of the FDR Drive exits around 60th Street shifted. What happened?First, let’s look at the changes to Exit 12 of the FDR Drive, Northbound traffic will enter the drive on 60th Street, instead of 61st, where northbound cars now exit. These changes are said to be temporary and the previous configuration should return when all the construction is concluded. Southbound traffic is unaffected. The rerouting is part of a project to repair or replace roadway along a 1.28-mile stretch of the FDR Drive. from 53rd to 63rd Street. Natural erosion from exposure to the East River and microorganisms in the water left many of the stretch’s bridges and viaducts in need of rehabilitation.In addition to fixing those structures, the contractors will improve the barrier and retaining walls, drainage, and the roof. The project is being overseen by the state Department of Transportation. The principal contractors are Slattery Skanska of Whitestone, Queens, and Weeks Marine Inc. of Cranford, N.J. The cost of the project, scheduled to be finished in April 2007, is said to be $136 million.Have a question about getting around the city? Please send them to transit@nysun.com.

Transit Authority

Transit Authority

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