Brooklyn: New bridge to be built over Newtown Creek

Senator Chuck Schumer announced on Wednesday that the federal government will allocate an additional $15 million towards the construction of a new bridge over Newtown Creek. This funding will contribute to replacing the aging Grand St. Bridge, which stands on the Brooklyn-Queens border and has been in service for 119 years. The total cost of the replacement project is estimated at $300 million, with $140 million already obtained from federal funding. The remaining $145 million will be sourced from city funds.

Official authorities have outlined that the current bridge is inadequate for modern transportation needs, particularly due to its narrow design, which limits space for pedestrians and cyclists. The replacement project aims to address these shortcomings by incorporating wider lanes, dedicated bike lanes, and spacious pedestrian paths. Moreover, the new bridge will be equipped with elevated mechanical and electrical infrastructure to enhance resilience against storm surges.

Specifically, the current bridge was constructed in 1903 and connects East Williamsburg to Maspeth. It suffered damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, affecting its mechanical and electrical systems and causing disruptions to boat traffic on Newtown Creek. As a result, weight restrictions were imposed in November 2023 following an inspection. For this purpose, Schumer emphasized the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades, particularly citing the advanced age of many bridges, including the Grand St. Bridge.

Mona Bruno, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation (DOT), emphasized the benefits of the federal funding in facilitating the replacement of the aging bridge, improving maritime cargo traffic, and enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

While construction is underway, a connection between Brooklyn and Queens over Newtown Creek will be maintained, although specifics regarding this transit link remain unclear. As of now, the timeline for the project's commencement and completion remains unknown.