You are reading

State Completes $17 Million Upgrade to Bridge on Astoria Boulevard

The NYS DOT has completed a $17 million rehabilitation project of a bridge on Astoria Boulevard (Courtesy of NYSDOT)

July 7, 2022 By Czarinna Andres

Governor Kathy Hochul announced last week that the state has completed a $17 million upgrade to a bridge on Astoria Boulevard that spans the eastbound Brooklyn-Queens Expressway ramp—and takes traffic to the eastbound Grand Central Parkway.

The revamp, which took 18 months to complete, has seen the bridge’s existing steel beams replaced and a new roadway surface put down, which the state DOT says will provide motorists with a smoother drive.

The bridge, a well-traveled roadway that serves as an important access route to LaGuardia Airport, has also seen its lighting upgraded.

“Revitalizing our transportation infrastructure across New York to better serve our communities is one of my top priorities, which is why we invested in rehabilitating this bridge carrying Astoria Boulevard — a vital connection along a corridor that not only provides access to LaGuardia Airport but is also home to many stores and businesses in Queens,” Hochul said in a statement.

The state DOT has replaced the bridge’s existing steel beams with new, rust-resistant beams to reduce the need for painting. The project features stainless-steel reenforced bars to prevent corrosion inside the roadway deck and has fewer joints in order to reduce water leakage and minimize damage to structural elements.

Additional improvements include a new drainage system, LED lighting above and below the bridge, bridge safety barriers, fencing, and upgraded utilities including new water, electric, and gas lines. The project also features a new sidewalk on the south side of the bridge that is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“This much-needed project in Queens will improve travel on one of the borough’s most important roadways and represents our continued commitment to modernizing our infrastructure,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos said the bridge provides a critical link between two main transit arteries in Queens, one that has proven dangerous.

“As the upgrades to LaGuardia Airport continue, I’m deeply appreciative for the investments in making sure the surrounding areas get the care they need to handle the expected increased traffic for the long-term,” she said.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said the revamp is an important step toward improving access to LaGuardia Airport and to easing the traffic flow in the entire nearby area.

“Motorists who use this section of Astoria Boulevard will soon find getting to LaGuardia and other locations in Queens to be much easier and safer,” Richards said.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Celebrate the season: a guide to fall events at Queens Botanical Garden

Sep. 18, 2025 By Jessica Militello

There is nothing quite like witnessing the beauty of fall amongst the plants and wildlife at the Queens Botanical Garden. The 47-acre sanctuary offers a tranquil respite from the city, including an array of classes, events and workshops to learn more about nature and connect with the community. The garden has a variety of exciting events and programs to fully immerse oneself in the autumn season, from their Apples and Honey Day Festival to kids’ programs and much more. Whether you are looking to volunteer or tap into your creativity, here is a list of upcoming events.

CM Julie Won vows to vote against OneLIC Neighborhood Plan if neighborhood priorities are not included

Sep. 18, 2025 By Shane O’Brien

Council Member Julie Won has once again outlined that she will vote against the OneLIC Neighborhood Plan unless the comprehensive neighborhood rezoning includes specific community guarantees — including a commitment to provide deeply affordable housing, over 1,300 new school seats, a substantial increase in open space, and a comprehensive plan to improve resiliency in the neighborhood.

Suspect sought in Kew Gardens jewel heist at private residence near Forest Park: NYPD

Police from the 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill are looking for a bearded burglar who was captured on video surveillance pulling off a jewel heist at a Kew Gardens home four blocks east of Forest Park late last month.

The suspect was seen walking on 84th Street near 118th Street at around 4:45 a.m. when he unlawfully entered a private residence through a rear door. Once inside, the suspect went into a bedroom and removed a black box, which contained jewelry valued at approximately $1,950, police said. The stranger left the home and ran off southbound on 118th Street toward Bessemer Street in Richmond Hill. There were no injuries reported after the jewel heist.

Suspect wanted for allegedly groping three women as they walked to work in Corona: NYPD

Police from the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights are looking for a serial groper who targeted three women in 20 minutes on Monday, Sept. 1, in Corona.

The first incident occurred at around 5:55 a.m. as a 37-year-old victim was walking to work near the intersection of 103rd Street and 37th Avenue when a stranger approached her from behind and allegedly grabbed her buttocks before running off westbound on 37th Avenue toward 102nd Street.