Photo: MTA Bridges & Tunnels Special Archive

“The curb stringers are part of the original 1930s structure and after nearly 73 years they have suffered much wear and tear and need to be replaced,” said Henry Hudson facility engineer Walter Hickey.  The lower level of the Henry Hudson Bridge, which turns 75 this year, opened to traffic on 12 Dec 1936. The bridge proved to be so popular that an upper level was added two years later.

The west lane from just after the toll plaza across the full-length of the bridge will be closed first for approximately a year. Two lanes will remain open during peak, weekday travel times and contractor Judlau will install a concrete barrier to protect the work area. In 2012, the work will be repeated on the east side of the bridge.

In addition to replacing the steel curb stringers and installing 1,100m of new bridge decking, new energy-efficient roadway lighting will also be added. The new lighting columns will replicate the original 1938-style poles in keeping with the bridge’s Depression-era design. 

Motorists will also benefit from the removal of an unused, maintenance sidewalk on the upper level which is closed to the public. Once eliminated, the  lanes will be restriped, resulting in wider traffic lanes.