Q: What kind of construction is being done on the Queensboro Bridge? It feels as though that bridge is always having something done to it. Also, what are the tarpaulins covering the bridge used for?

A: The Queensboro Bridge is currently in the sixth phase of a series of rehabilitation projects that date back to September 1989, so it’s not far wrong to say the bridge is always under construction. The work being done in this phase includes installation of new signs on the Manhattan side; rehabilitation of the north and south bike and pedestrian roadways; installation of new high-pressure sodium lighting, which is supposed to be brighter; improvements to the drainage system; new aviation warning lights; new surfacing on the north and south Upper Roadway, and the addition of protective screening at the North Outer roadway. The project, officially called contract 6, will cost approximately $35 million.

The tarps on the bridge, part of contract 5A, show where crews are sandblasting the bridge’s steel exterior to trip old paint. After the paint is removed, crews apply a new layer of protective coating. The project is to last until January 2009 and cost $167,750,000, according to city DOT documents.

With what seems to be an increase in subway fires, or at least an increased awareness of their occurrence, what steps has the MTA taken to alert customers to subway emergency procedures? What is required of riders during an emergency?

There have always been small posters in each train that give some broad instructions about how to act during an emergency, but it’s unlikely that most riders take the time to read them. In an attempt to educate the public about evacuation procedures, the MTA followed a suggestion of the Straphangers Campaign and posted videos on www.mta.info detailing evacuation methods. Customers can go to the site, click on the Customer Safety Information icon at the bottom of the screen, and select an evacuation video for New York City subways, the Long Island Rail Road, or Metro North.