NEWS
Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals

108-98: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , July 30, 1998

PORT AUTHORITY APPROVES $33 MILLION BAYONNE BRIDGE REHABILITATION


The Port Authority will begin a major rehabilitation of the roadway deck of the Bayonne Bridge and carry out extensive structural modernization, ensuring the bridge's ability to provide a smooth ride and handle growing traffic volume, Port Authority Chairman Lewis M. Eisenberg announced today. The bistate agency's Board of Commissioners approved the $33-million project this afternoon at its monthly meeting.

"The project approved today means that the Bayonne Bridge will continue to provide a smooth, safe ride," Chairman Eisenberg said. "In addition, we are carrying out a structural overhaul of the 67-year-old bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. The Bayonne Bridge experienced record traffic volumes last year, increasing by 8.9 percent to some 5.6 million vehicles. Traffic is expected to increase this year as well."

The bridge requires selective replacement of roadway joints, support steel and concrete deck, as well as a new asphalt roadway surface. The repairs are expected to begin next year and be completed by 2001. Construction will be done in off-peak hours to minimize disruption to traffic.

The Bayonne Bridge was opened to traffic on November 15, 1931. It spans the Kill Van Kull, connecting Bayonne, New Jersey with the Port Richmond area of Staten Island, New York.

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