Two North Shore bridges have been listed as being in “poor” condition by the Department of Transportation.
Released in late February, the Key to New York State Highway Bridge Data shows which bridges should be considered for review, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation or replacement.
The Webster Avenue bridge in Manhasset, built in 1897, spans the LIRR’s Port Washington Branch tracks and is the oldest bridge of nine across Long Island to be labeled as in “poor” condition.
According to the Long Island Rail Road’s Modernization Project, the bridge, which was last inspected in August, is set to undergo a state-of-good-repair project to enhance safety and reduce maintenance. In April 2019, the preliminary design of the replacement bridge was completed.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s capital program from 2020-2024 includes $269 million for bridge rehab and replacement, which will include the bridge. The LIRR is in charge of the structure and frame of the bridge and a spokesperson said interim work has been done to ensure the bridge’s safety and the railroad will continue to monitor its condition.
“We welcome their maintenance efforts,” said North Hempstead Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey, who represents Manhasset in District 4. “I know that they have come out over the years several times to do repairs on the bridge and to address resident complaints about excessive noise when vehicles cross the bridge. While we’re grateful that they are paying attention and doing maintenance on the bridge, ultimately what needs to be done is to use the funding in their capital plan to replace the bridge in its entirety.”
Bridges with “poor” ratings are not considered unsafe and require posting for weight limits and significant maintenance to remain in service. When bridges are deemed unsafe, they are closed to traffic, according to the DOT.
Great Neck Plaza’s Barstow Road bridge, built in 1935, was also labeled as in “poor” condition.
Earlier in the year, the bridge was deemed “structurally deficient,” according to a report from the American Road and Transportation Builder Association.
The bridge, which is owned by the village and was last inspected in September 2020, runs over the Great Neck train station on the Long Island Rail Road’s Port Washington line.
In 2018, Great Neck Plaza Clerk-Treasurer Patricia O’Byrne said a New York state bridge program grant could provide 95 percent of the funds to repair the bridge.
O’Byrne previously told Blank Slate Media that Mayor Ted Rosen, along with other village officials, met with engineers from the Long Island Rail Road in January to discuss the bridge’s condition.
O’Byrne said the engineers informed the village there were no structural issues with the bridge and that the village is considering repairing or replacing the sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. O’Byrne said a tentative project could take place this fall or sometime next year.
Due to deterioration of the deck, de-icing salts and water have infiltrated the underlying structure of the bridge, the LIRR said. Workers have been removing loose concrete from the bridge’s underside. The village repaved the roadway, which has effectively eliminated most of the intrusion issues, according to the LIRR.
