Verrazano Bridge Plaza Construction Complete Ahead Of Schedule

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has completed its $50 million renovation of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge toll plaza ahead of schedule, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday.

The Staten Island Advance reports:

The three-year project removed the obsolete Brooklyn-bound toll booths, rebuilt ramps and added a new connector ramp for the bridge, providing a two-lane path for traffic to move directly onto the lower level. Construction was completed on budget, seven months earlier than initially anticipated.

These improvements, which are designed to reduce traffic and congestion, come shortly after the MTA announced a toll increase for the Verrazano, bringing it to $16. In addition, the MTA has been granted $431 million in capital funds for further improvements to the bridge’s structures, roadways, and decks between 2015 and 2018. Next, the MTA will begin a $235.7 million project to replace the bridge’s entire upper deck.

Occasionally these construction projects draw controversy. Last year, we reported that the MTA drew the ire of union steelmakers and local politicians for striking a deal with a Chinese company rather than an American steelmaker for its various projects.

Now, if only the MTA would install some bike lanes on the bridge while they’re at it…