The New York State Department of Transportation will invest $110 million in Phase III of the Kew Gardens Interchange project in central Queens, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
More than 200,000 vehicles travel through the interchange daily.
“Our transformative investments in roads and bridges help support economic growth across New York, and the Kew Gardens Interchange project will revitalize deteriorating infrastructure and support the vitality of the Queens community,” Cuomo said. “The third phase of this major project will expand upon the improvements already accomplished with the first two legs, and will help ensure this roadway can meet the needs of current and future generations of New Yorkers.”
This phase will replace the two-lane Van Wyck Expressway southbound viaduct with a three-lane viaduct. New exits also will be constructed to the Jackie Robinson Parkway and the westbound Union Turnpike.
Phase I widened a section of the Van Wyck Expressway, rebuilt an exit ramp and four bridges, and constructed auxiliary lanes. Phase II widened the northbound Van Wyck Expressway viaduct, replaced a one-lane entrance ramp, and installed a new deck.
Phase IV is in the planning stage. It will open to contractor bids in November.
The entire project is expected to cost approximately $700 million.