Queens, NY - December 3rd, 2013 - MTA Bridges and Tunnels announced Tuesday that all six roadway lanes at the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge’s Queens approach will be open for the next month to ease traffic during peak holiday travel time.  

Beginning Mon., Dec. 9 through Jan. 15 the permanent lane closure on the approach will be removed during peak morning and afternoon drive times, and the roadway will have all six lanes; three northbound to the Bronx and three southbound to Queens. The northbound lanes will be split around a work zone, with two lanes to the right and one to the left of the construction area.

One lane in either direction may be closed during off-peak hours to allow contractors E.E. Cruz/Tully to get ready for the next stage of roadway work that will begin on Jan. 16. Peak morning hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and peak afternoon hours from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience while this necessary work is done and wish all travelers using the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge a happy, healthy and safe holiday season,” said Raymond Webb, Bridges and Tunnels Director of Bridges East.

The 42-month, $109 million reconstruction and rehabilitation project was awarded in July 2011. The project includes reconstructing the bridge’s support foundations, adding six double arch piers, a new abutment to support wider, 12-foot lanes and safety shoulders, and reconstruction of 1,010-feet of approach roadway and the southbound 14th Avenue exit ramp.

The project is expected to be completed in 2015.