by Chris Munzing
The plans called for a complete renovation of the bridge, including the replacement of steel structures, repairing and updating electrical and mechanical systems, repairing the operator's house, and roadway and retaining-wall repairs, along with other minor repairs.
The initial plan, according to Nassau County Legislator Michael Zapson, was for the construction to stop during the summer months to ease the strain of traffic during Long Beach's busiest time of the year. Zapson said that in addition to delays caused by the severe weather of this past winter and spring, there is another factor as well. "What's delaying the project, I've been told, is getting the steel," Zapson said, adding that the state of New York is obligated to purchase only certain steel, and is having trouble procuring it.
Currently, the northbound lanes to Island Park are closed, leaving only four narrow lanes -- two southbound and two northbound -- on the western half of the structure. The limited travel space is a concern for the Long Beach Police Department, because it will create traffic situations unseen in the past. Residents have raised concerns that if a massive storm hit the area and beachgoers and residents had to evacuate, there could be an immense traffic jam.
However, according to Long Beach Police Commissioner John Laffey, his department and the city are prepared. Laffey explained that the police department has introduced new traffic plans for the bridge area, for situations when traffic is much greater than usual. One part of the plans was in effect during the Point Lookout fireworks display. Travel of over the bridge was made much smoother by 27 specially trained traffic officers and the closing of several streets to maintain a steady flow of traffic.
According to Laffey, there are "Level 2" and "Level 3" situations. In the event of a Level 2, six specialists will help move traffic along. A Level 3 traffic problem increases the number of officers to 12. Laffey is confident that these new procedures will ease the strain of what could otherwise been huge problems.
Zapson adds that the county is doing its part to try to reduce traffic. In a press release from the Nassau County Legislature, Zapson outlined several steps the county is taking. The timing of four traffic lights between Long Beach's Park Avenue and the bridge is being adjusted to minimize stops, as is that of two signals north of the bridge in Island Park, which were out of sync. A malfunctioning pedestrian push button south of the bridge at Hudson Street was repaired, as was a damaged vehicle detector on Fulton Street. And the drawbridge will open only on even hours, as opposed to every hour.
"This small change will give cars more time to cross without interruption," said Zapson in the press release. "We believe that these small changes we have made to help traffic flow will make the whole bridge reconstruction process a bit more manageable for those using the barrier island. The County will work on this on a continuing basis to assure that traffic flow is maintained throughout the course of construction."
