Reconstruction is entering its final stage in a $58 million project that has seen work done on three bridges at New York’s Long Island Expressway/Grand Central Parkway Interchange over the last three years.
Tied into these refurbishment efforts are highway improvements on the LIE between the GCP and College Point Boulevard in the Queens area of New York City. Eastbound and westbound routes are both affected, an entrance lane was expanded on the westbound side, and lighting upgrades are being installed throughout and below the LIE mainline and service roads.
“These vital improvements will help ease congestion at this busy interchange for motorists while offering those traveling to LaGuardia and JFK a smoother commute,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By modernizing and strengthening Queens’ transportation infrastructure, we help to meet the demands of the 21st-century traveler while spurring economic growth for the entire Empire State.”
Given that approximately 350,000 vehicles pass through the interchange daily, word that the project is now nine months ahead of schedule is critical news for the city’s flow. In addition, drainage structures have been installed and existing structures cleaned to aid future water run-off. At the same time, the city updated its Intelligent Transportation System to help publicize and manage traffic conditions and repaired a concrete deck of the LIE Bridge.
The project is expected to conclude this spring, following installation of concrete barriers, pavement restoration, road resurfacing, landscaping and new pavement markers.