Office of Borough President James P. Molinaro
Staten Island, New York
Molinaro Renews Call for New Goethals Bridge Following Bizarre Morning Commute Incident
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Borough President James P. Molinaro today renewed his call for a new Goethals Bridge following this morning’s incident in which crates of live chickens fell off a flatbed trailer, causing the Staten Island-bound lanes to shut down and backing up traffic for miles during the morning commute.
“The 76-year-old bridge is a critical transportation link between New Jersey and Staten Island, and this morning’s bizarre incident underscores the need to re-double our efforts to build a new, safer bridge with wider lanes,” said Molinaro.
“Accidents are going to occur from time to time, but the narrowness of the Goethals Bridge may be a contributing factor,” Molinaro added. “I strongly support building a new bridge with the utmost expediency, and urge the Port Authority to fast-track its planning process.”
Last February, the Port Authority hired a consultant to conduct a three-year environmental review of future options for the Goethals Bridge, and to recommend a preferred alternative to upgrade and modernize the crossing. A public hearing will be held on the issue on October 5th in the Staten Island Hotel’s Harbor Room and Ballroom in Graniteville. Two sessions will be held, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
“I am pleased that the Port Authority is studying modernization options for the Goethals, and welcomes input from Staten Islanders in deciding what action to take. It can’t come fast enough for the well-being of our residents,” said Molinaro.
The Goethals Bridge, which opened in 1928, has two 10-foot lanes in each direction, which do not meet today’s 12-foot-wide highway design standards and has no shoulders for emergency access. It also serves as the primary route for commercial traffic serving the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, which is the region’s military port of embarkation in the event of a national emergency.
“Because Staten Island is geographically isolated and does not have the same access to public transportation as other municipalities, the speedy replacement of the Goethals is crucial to the safety of our residents and all bi-state commuters,” Molinaro concluded.
September 15, 2004