Atlantic Bridge to be renovated

Within the next two months, the Atlantic Beach Bridge’s electrical and mechanical components will begin to be replaced. The upgrade is needed because those parts date back to 1945, when the Nassau County Bridge Authority took over the bridge’s operation from a privately held group.

Bridge Authority Manager Vincent Grasso said last year that the authority issued an $8.89 million bond to finance the bridge upgrades. Projected cost overruns could bring the total to an estimated $11 million, with the difference covered by cash reserves. Grasso explained that the work on the bridge would not be visible to the public because it will involve “the guts of the bridge,” not its exterior.

“There will be no disruptions on the bridge,” he added. “The whole project is expected to take two years, since the construction will slow down in the winter and the schedule for barges will drag the project out.”

Julian Goldstein, a 36-year Atlantic Beach resident, the chairman of the Atlantic Beach Fire District and a member of the village Rescue Squad, said he is most concerned about the effect the bridge work may have on the safety of the victims he transports to the hospital. “A well-functioning bridge isn’t as important to me as a commuter, but for an emergency situation,” Goldstein said.

Also, he added, “If there’s a hurricane, the bridge needs to be open and available for evacuation. To evacuate the community is the most important reason for the bridge to have modern electronics.”

When the Atlantic Beach Rescue Squad responds to a heart attack victim, Goldstein explained, they prefer to go over the bridge to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway — a trip that takes about seven minutes. If the bridge isn’t working properly, the victim has to be taken to the Long Beach Medical Center instead, which takes 12 to 15 minutes, he said.

“The ability for the bridge to open and close ensures our ability to get to St. John’s and save someone’s life,” Goldstein said.

Atlantic Beach Mayor Stephen Mahler said that while the village has no control over the 1,173-foot long bridge, he supports the Bridge Authority. “I’m sure the authority will do the best they can to alleviate the problem [of delays and traffic],” Mahler said. “And I’m sure the repairs are necessary.”

Marguerite Marett, a 31-year Atlantic Beach resident, said the renovations justify the bridge’s tolls. “It’s important they improve the bridge [if it has] any faults,” Marett said. “Any money they put into the bridge will be good, so they can continue to charge the toll and the toll is good for residents of the community.”