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Bridges Movable Bridges over Smaller Waterways

Mill Basin Bridge, Mill Basin, Brooklyn Roosevelt Island Bridge, East River, Queens-Manhattan

Mill Basin Bridge The Mill Basin Bridge is a double leaf trunnion bascule supporting the Belt (Shore) Parkway over Mill Basin in the Borough of Brooklyn. Each leaf carries six lanes of traffic - three in each direction. There is a sidewalk on each side of the leaf.

Re-Decking of the Mill Basin Bridge DOT has reconstructed the Belt Parkway Bridge over Mill Basin. The bridge was constructed in 1942 and had outlived its useful service life. Due to the effects of age, weather and increased traffic volume, reconstruction was deemed necessary. The work was substantially completed in December 2006

Mill Basin Bridge Facts

Bridge ID Number 2-23147-9 Borough Brooklyn Type Bascule Telephone (718) 388-0860 Location Exits 11 & 12 Belt Pkwy. Waterway Mill Basin Miles from Mouth 0.8 Channels 1 Used by Hwy Total Cost $1,390,000.00 Date Opened Jun. 29, 1940

Roosevelt Island Bridge The Roosevelt Island Bridge is a tower drive, vertical lift, movable bridge across the East Channel of the East River between the borough of Queens and Roosevelt Island, New York City. The span length is 418 feet. It was known as the Welfare Island Bridge when it was first opened to traffic in 1955. The bridge is the only means of vehicular access to Roosevelt Island. Prior to construction, the bridge carried two 17-foot lanes of vehicular traffic and a 6-foot sidewalk. The bridge is used by both pedestrians and vehicles with increased volume during rush hours. The Queens approach begins at the intersection of Vernon Boulevard and 36th Avenue.

Reconstruction Project The project will include the complete rehabilitation of the Roosevelt Island Bridge. Reconstruction will take place in three stages over three years. Currently, the lift span is non-operational and marine traffic must pass using the West Channel of the East River. The project cost is $86.5 million.

Work Completed (as of February 2010)

Replace the entire roadway deck and approaches - completed ahead of schedule Construct a new turning lane from the bridge onto Vernon Boulevard southbound - completed ahead of schedule Replace bearings to current seismic codes Remove existing paint and repainting the entire bridge - 98% complete Install new sidewalks and pedestrian safety fencing - 98% complete Repair all deteriorated structural elements, river piers and the timber fender system - 95% complete

Ongoing Work

Replace all mechanical and electrical systems, including all lights on the bridge and approaches Install stairways' enclosures Rehabilitate service roads - Queens side Bridge testing May 2010 through August 31, 2010

The turning lane from the bridge onto Vernon Boulevard southbound was installed at the request of the community, to relieve traffic backups on Roosevelt Island and to create an improved pedestrian crossing.

Upcoming Impacts

Closure of the Roosevelt Island Tram (March 1st, 2010 - August 31st, 2010). Bridge will now be one of only two modes of access to Roosevelt Island. Higher traffic volumes expected. Periodic one-way service of the F line on some nights and weekends, due to line NYCT maintenance. Bridge testing is scheduled to occur during the same time period (May through August) as the Roosevelt Island Tram outage. Necessary steps will be taken to minimize impacts on the traveling public. During the UN General Assembly meeting in September, there will be additional raising and lowering of the Roosevelt Island Bridge due to the closure of the west channel of the river for security reasons. In accordance with rules and regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard, marine traffic has the right of way and some inconvenience to vehicular traffic is expected.

The community will be advised at least 7 days in advance of all work related to bridge lane closures or delays associated with the construction project.

Minimizing Traffic and Community Impacts The general hours of construction are Monday through Friday between 7am and 7pm. However, nighttime and weekend operations will occur occasionally.

All staging areas are located behind a screened fence. Active measures are taken by the contractor to reduce noise at its source, such as the use of mufflers, sound screens and low noise-producing equipment as well as the placement of equipment away from residential receptors.

Because the Roosevelt Island Bridge is the only means of vehicular access to the island, access will be maintained on the bridge during daytime work operations via one eastbound and one westbound lane. When operations that require an expanded work zone are conducted, lane reversals will occur, with flagpersons directing traffic.

Reconstruction work requiring a lane closure usually is conducted between 9am and 3pm, when traffic volume is at its lowest. There is occasional nighttime work between 8pm and 6am. There is occasional weekend work from 8pm Friday until 5am Monday. Both travel lanes are available on the bridge during non-working hours. Pedestrian access is maintained on the bridge at all times.

Paint Removal Safety Measures NYC DOT and its contractor adhere strictly to the safety requirements regarding lead paint removal as approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), NYC Departments of Health (NYCDOH) and Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) and the New York State Departments of Health (NYSDOH) and Environmental Conservation (NYCDEC).

The work will be performed within an entirely sealed Class 1A Containment System which prevents materials from escaping the work zone. Filtration of the enclosed air will prevent paint waste dust from being released. The soil and air in the area surrounding the containment enclosure is monitored and tested.

Completion of the project is anticipated by March 2011.

For more information, please contact Community Liaison, Rembert Browne, at (212)758-1060 or via email at [email protected]. You can also call the New York City information number, 311 (212- NEWYORK outside New York City).

Roosevelt Island Bridge Facts

Bridge ID Number 2-24064-0 Borough Manhattan/Queens Type V. Lift Telephone None Location Vernon Blvd. & Main Street Waterway East River (E. Channel) Miles from Mouth 6.4 Channels 1 Used by Hwy Total Cost $6,498,255.13 Date Opened May 18, 1955