A recent report by the American Road and Transportation Builders Association highlighted that more than 17,000 bridges in New York State are in need of repair, with nearly 10% being structurally deficient. The report ranked New York 11th in the U.S. for the highest number of dilapidated bridges. The state’s 10 worst bridges were identified as being in New York City, including parts of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
City officials assured that the BQE, although needing repairs, remains safe for vehicle traffic and is closely monitored. New Jersey ranked 27th and Connecticut 36th on the list of states with deficient bridges. The report also mentioned that heavy traffic patterns and New York’s weather present challenges to completing repairs on time.
While New York has been making investments to repair and modernize its bridges, experts agree that more needs to be done. It was emphasized that a bridge being labeled deficient does not mean it is an immediate hazard, but the issues should still be addressed promptly to prevent any potential risks.
State Department of Transportation workers inspect bridges regularly to ensure safety. Experts believe that urgent investment is needed to address the current challenges and prevent further deterioration of New York’s bridge infrastructure. Although the situation is concerning, it has been pointed out that immediate concerns of collapse or danger are not imminent. The state’s efforts to address these issues are ongoing but require additional resources and attention.
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