CI BRIDGE PROJECT MOVES FORWARD

Submitted by Admin on

NYCDOT says it is committed to completing this project, while keeping City Islanders informed during all stages. DOT has assigned a community liaison officer to answer any construction related inquires you may have.

The group has named Huáscar Robles of Zetlin Strategic Communications. Zetlin says they will soon begin work on two of NYCDEP's signature projects, so stay tuned for more information as these projects kick off. The group specializes in...

• Public Affairs

• Community Relations

• Corporate Communications

• Information Audits

• Zetlin KYSO Workshops

• Coalition Building

• Issues Management

• Crisis Communications

• Enhanced Communications Tools

Zetlin's clients include:

• New York State Department of Transportation

• New York City Department of Transportation

• Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

• New York City Department of Environmental Protection

• New York City Economic Development Corporation

• Metropolitan Transit Authority

• MTA - New York City Transit

• MTA - Metro North Railroad

• MTA - Bridges and Tunnels

• New York City Department of Design and Construction

• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation

• New York City Department of City Planning

• New York City Department of Sanitation

• New Jersey Transit

• United States General Services Administration

• New York State Thruway Authority

• Oregon Department of Transportation

• City of Albany, Oregon

• Suffolk County (NY) Department of Public Works

City Island Images met with him and asked several questions, which he claimed not to have the answer to but said he would research.

The following are the answers to my questions: The difference in vertical clearance between the old and the new structure will be 4.8 feet. In regards to relocation of utilities, these will be relocated to the temporary bridge and then to the new structure. This work is independent from any undertaking from the Department of Design and Construction (DDC).

On the topic of trees, approximately 35 were removed as per our contract. Also per our contract the trees will be replaced as dictated by the Parks Department. You also had questions regarding the capacity of the temporary and the new bride. Both are designed to hold the necessary load in accordance with city, state and federal standards.

He did invite everyone to stop by his office, which is located across the street from Buddy's Hardware, you may also email him or just call. He can be reached at:

917.626.8391 or via email: cityislandbridgehbx1164@gmail. com or hrobles@zetlincom

You may also visit: Facebook page for up-to-date information, travel advisories and last minute notices:

Facebook.com/CityIsland- Bridge

We suggest that if anyone has a question about the bridge, they should also start asking questions directly to the source and bypass any civic leaders, or politicians who've made many promises, but delivered too little too late.

What is Going On?

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) has begun the reconstruction of the City Island Bridge. This crossing was built in 1901; at 113 years old, weather and travel from as many as 16,000 vehicles each day have taken a toll on the structure. NYCDOT will build a new bridge that is in compliance with current standards and that will last for generations.

Here is some additional information about the project, including safety precautions and what they are doing to keep you informed.

Ahead of Construction
The Project Team is currently in the first stage of the project. These are some of the pre-construction activities underway:

1. Control point surveys - Surveys of reference points that will guide future construction.
A crew removes snow off the pedestrian path on the north side of City Island Bridge.

2. Tree trimming - Trees are trimmed or re- moved under a permit from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the guidance of a certified tree exoert.

3. Property inspections - Properties located up to 200 feet from construction activities at the cofferdam are being inspected to record pre-construction conditions.

4. Test pits - Tests are conducted to locate water mains and other utilities underground.
Safety

During the winter season, inclement weather can create hazardous conditions. The Project Team has removed snow from the bridge’s sidewalks, approaches and pedestrian and bike paths in order to provide safe access for City Islanders and visitors.

Why a New Bridge?

The new bridge is expected to be built in three consecutive stages:

Stage 1: Construct a temporary bridge south of the existing structure and shift traffic onto the temporary bridge. 12 MONTHS approximately.

Stage 2: Demolish the existing bridge and construct the new structure in the same footprint. About 18 MONTHS.

Stage 3: Shift traffic onto the new City Island Bridge and remove the temporary bridge. Additional work, including the restoration of the Catherine Scott Promenade and seawall and reconstruction of the Legion Triangle will also be scheduled during this phase. 19 MONTHS approximately.

Questions?
Over the last 113 years, weather and traffic volume have taken a toll on the bridge. A major rehabilitation of the bridge piers was completed in 1979. DOT welders, masons, carpenters and other trades have helped maintain the centenary crossing, however, reconstruction of the entire bridge is now required.

Here are some of the features of the new City Island Bridge:
• Two 12-ft. travel lanes
• One 12-ft. emergency lane
• Two 6-ft. sidewalks and bicycle lanes
• Vertical clearance of 15 ft. for maritime navigation

THE PROJECT TEAM
New York City Department of Transportation Division of Bridges www.nyc.gov/dot
CONTRACTOR
Tutor Perini Corporation
RESIDENT ENGINEERING CONSULTANT
PB Americas, Inc.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Zetlin Strategic Communications, Inc.

Please contact these folks between 7:30AM and 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday.