Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Iris Weinshall, Staten Island Borough President Guy Molinari, and other DOT officials and community leaders at the re-opening of the South Avenue Bridge. The $4 million reconstruction project, began in April 2000, was finished one-and-a-half months ahead of schedule.

"The Department of Transportation has once again exceeded expectations," Mayor Giuliani said. "Last year, when a resident asked me to speed up the opening of this bridge, I knew the DOT would be up to the task. Now, the residents of Arlington and Mariners Harbor not only have a safer, sturdier bridge, but one that is ready for use much earlier than expected. I join Borough President Molinari in applauding the DOT for a job well done."

DOT Commissioner Weinshall said, "Staten Islanders know that the Mayor delivers on promises. From free ferries to the closing of the Fresh Kills Landfill, their wishes have been granted. The South Avenue Bridge project is yet another request made and granted -- and just like Fresh Kills, it's way ahead of schedule."

The 150 foot-long South Avenue Bridge was originally built in 1938. A recent State inspection rated the bridge in poor condition, prompting DOT to replace the entire bridge's superstructure and substructure. During a Mayor's Town Hall meeting in September 2000, community resident Jean Crisson asked the Mayor to expedite the reopening of the bridge, originally scheduled for July 2001. Meeting the challenge was DOT's bridge division, led by Chief Engineer Henry Perahia and Project Director Ali Mallick, completing the project well before deadline.

South Avenue Bridge carries one lane of traffic and sidewalks in each direction. The bridge also carries a gas main, a water main, and electric and telephone conduits. About 120 feet of new roadway and sidewalks were reconstructed on each side of the bridge, and new street lighting was also installed. About 8,000 vehicles cross South Avenue Bridge daily.

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