NEWS
Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals

119-00: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE , August 30, 2000

PORT AUTHORITY TO BEGIN FALL CLOSING HOURS FOR OUTERBRIDGE CROSSING REHABILITATION PROJECT


As the season of heavy summer shore traffic comes to an end, the Port Authority will lengthen weekend closing hours for westbound traffic on the Outerbridge Crossing rehabilitation project, which will bring drivers a brand-new riding surface and a completely refurbished bridge.

Beginning Tuesday, September 5, the Outerbridge Crossing will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. on Sundays, two hours later than was done during the summer.

At the beginning of the summer, at the request of community boards and elected officials in Staten Island, the Port Authority adjusted the weekend closing hours to accommodate summer shore traffic.

"Now that the summer is over, we need the extra time to move ahead with this project," said Ken Philmus, the Port Authority's Director of Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals. "We continue to strive to complete the project as quickly as possible to minimize inconvenience to our customers."

Following is the schedule for the closing of westbound lanes of the bridge during the fall. During these times, westbound traffic will be diverted to the Goethals Bridge.

· Monday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. · Friday, 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday. · Saturday, 11 p.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday.

The closures will be suspended for the winter beginning November 15. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2002.

The three-year, $51.2-million Outerbridge Crossing project involves repairs to 135,000 square feet of the bridge's concrete deck, replacement of roadway joints and a new asphalt riding surface on the bridge.

For daily construction updates and possible schedule changes, customers may call 800 221-9903. Customers also can obtain project information on the Port Authority's Web site at www.panynj.gov.

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