With Verrazano renovation plan come fears of traffic backups for Ridge

With renovations on the Verrazano Bridge set to begin next year, the ever-present fear of traffic congestion in Bay Ridge streets looms large for residents. However, community and MTA officials are confident that new methods of construction and stipulations within the recently awarded contract, will keep traffic flowing smoothly.

“The effects of the renovations are a top concern of ours,” said Josephine Beckmann, Community Board 10’s district manager. “Whenever anything happens with the bridge, we know it’s Bay Ridge that feels it.”

According to Judie Glave, an MTA Bridges and Tunnel spokesperson, the Verrazano’s upper level is systematically being replaced with a longer-lasting, more durable, orthotropic steel deck. She described it as a “more continuous piece” of steel, as opposed to the concrete-covered steel grid structure that currently makes up the roadway. Additionally, a new HOV lane will be installed.

Glave said that a new system, utilized during repairs on the Throgs Neck Bridge, will help keep traffic moving smoothly and prevent backups into Bay Ridge. Featuring a moveable barrier, the system will keep the full six lanes open during peak a.m. and p.m. rush hour, with closures due to construction only occurring during off-peak hours.

Beckmann said that incentive measures, such as a monetary reward if the project is finished earlier, were written into the construction contract to push work forward at a faster pace. An MTA liaison, meant to streamline commutation efforts between local government and project managers, was also appointed, according to Beckman.