Cuomo Announces Transformational Plan to Reimagine New York's Br's and Tunnels for 21st Century

[N6 Limited]

http://www.mta.info/news-governor-cuomo-bridges-and-tunnels-led-lights-open-road-tolling-automatic-tolling/2016/10/05

 

October 05th, 2016

"Open Road" tolling and colorful LED lights are among the changes you'll see in the coming years when traveling on MTA's Bridges and Tunnels. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a transformational plan to reimagine New York's crossings for the 21^st century. The plan will institute state-of-the-art automatic tolling at all MTA bridges and tunnels – reducing traffic congestion and decreasing emissions to improve the overall travel experience for millions of residents and visitors in New York State. At the Governor’s direction, the state will also deploy cutting-edge technology and security personnel to high-profile crossings in New York to enhance public safety and fortify anti-terror efforts.

As part of the New York Crossings Project, the Governor also announced the state will implement new tunnel barriers to control major floods and seismic measures on bridges which will provide long-term protection from earthquakes and other natural forces. The transformational project also includes the addition of energy efficient LED lighting. In addition, the MTA will join cities around the globe in providing a renewed focus on public art to ensure our infrastructure projects reflect the grandeur of the Empire State. Under the Governor's plan, New York will redesign tunnel plazas with cutting-edge veils equipped with LED capability, and gantry structures supporting the new electronic toll equipment will feature artistic "wave" designs which will vary in size and scale.

"By investing in New York's transportation network today and equipping it to meet the challenges of tomorrow, we are cementing our state's position as a national leader in 21st century infrastructure and cutting-edge innovation," Governor Cuomo said. "From speeding up commutes and reducing emissions on key roadways with automatic tolling to bolstering resiliency on our bridges and tunnels and increasing security at key checkpoints, this transformational project will revolutionize transportation in New York and ensure that our state is built to lead for generations to come."

Follow this link for the Governor's presentation and this link for video.

The New York Crossings Project encompasses all seven MTA-operated bridges and its two tunnels, including the Henry Hudson Bridge, Whitestone Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, RFK Triborough Bridge, Queens Midtown Tunnel, Hugh L. Carey Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge, and Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge. The coordinated lighting plan will include the George Washington Bridge operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Funding for these transformational improvements is allocated as part of the MTA's $27 billion capital plan.

State-of-the-Art Automatic Tolling

New York's roads are some of the most congested in the nation, with commutes from Long Island, White Plains, and Northern and Southern New Jersey averaging upwards of two hours. On average, 800,000 vehicles cross MTA tunnels and bridges each day, and as a whole, New York drivers spend more than 6,400 hours per day waiting to pay tolls.

Under the Governor’s leadership, New York State is making record investments in increasing regional public transit capacity. To further reduce traffic congestion, the state is implementing automatic tolling, or "open road tolling." These new, automated tolls will significantly enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion and decrease commute times making it easier for New Yorkers to get where they need to go. Sensors and cameras will be suspended over the highway on structures called "gantries" and vehicles will not be required to stop. Vehicles with E-ZPass will be automatically charged, and non-E-ZPass vehicles will have their license plate recorded and a bill will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

Automatic tolling is projected to save commuters up to 21 hours of drive time every year. Additionally, automatic tolling reduces emissions and significantly decreases amount of fuel burned by drivers, who will no longer have to stop and start waiting to pay tolls. This will conserve approximately one million gallons of fuel and save $2.3 million each year. Automatic tolling will begin at select bridges in January and be completed on all MTA-operated bridges by the end of next year.

Enhanced Security at New York Crossings

New York is increasingly a target of threats to security. In recognition of this threat, the New York Crossings Project will integrate emerging technologies into the security design of bridges and tunnels across the state, deploying additional personnel and equipment. At each crossing, and at structurally sensitive points on bridges and tunnels, advanced cameras and sensors will be installed to read license plates and test emerging facial recognition software and equipment. These technologies will be applied across airports and transit hubs – including the Penn-Farley Complex – to ultimately develop one system-wide plan.

Anti-terrorism teams will be combined with traffic enforcement at crossings and will develop new operating protocols across agencies. Approximately 525 TBTA officers will provide security and traffic management at bridges and tunnels and will collaborate with State Police on toll enforcement; 150 members of State Police Troop NYC will be assigned at crossings to handle security and anti-terror activities; and 150 National Guardsmen will reinforce troopers on security and anti-terror initiatives. Special barricade trucks will be positioned at both ends of each crossing to serve as intercept vehicles and mobile barriers in the event of an emergency.

Flood Resiliency

Previously, New York’s tunnels were built to protect against a 100-year flood, but the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Sandy and Irene demonstrated a need to enhance protections to withstand a 500-year flood. Tunnels will have new barriers installed to block floodwater from entering with water-tight barriers to protect the tunnel and its facilities. Additionally, tunnels will have increased submersible pumping capacity to protect against flooding. Follow this link for more information.

Seismic Measures

MTA's bridges – like many in the Metropolitan region – were built nearly a century ago. The plan includes comprehensive seismic upgrades to make MTA bridges more flexible in the event of an earthquake. All existing bridge bearings will be replaced with "seismic isolation bearings" that allow for rotation, reducing the transfer of seismic forces and mitigating damage. Bridges will have added reinforcement to bridge columns and piers to provide greater resistance to seismic forces. Concrete armor units around the underwater portion of bridge piers will be installed to provide long-term protections beyond seismic events. Follow this link for more information.
Building the New New York – Public Art

Under Governor Cuomo, New York is recapturing the bold spirit that made it the Empire State in the first place. In the past, New York built projects that were not only practical, but works of public art, like the New York State Capitol, Grand Central Terminal, the original Penn Station and the Central Mall Mosaics at Jones Beach. The MTA has made efforts to incorporate art underground, but this plan will bring back public art aboveground.

The New York Crossings Project will reconfigure toll plazas into modern transportation gateways. Plaza walls will be transformed by veils that shield security personnel and equipment, while acting as LED message boards. Intercept vehicles will be stationed behind the veil and security personnel will have line-of-sight monitoring portals. While plaza redesign will vary, each automated tolling structure on MTA-operated bridges and tunnels will be covered with a decorative artwork presenting a “wave” effect. The wave will be constructed from chainmail fabric which moves with the wind.

LED lighting will be adopted on all MTA bridges and tunnels. LED lights use 40 to 80 percent less power and last six times longer than other types of roadway lighting. In addition to costing less and lasting significantly longer, LED lights can be programmed into different colors and patterns.

The New York Crossings Project will lead the nation by encompassing all MTA-operated bridges and tunnels in New York City, plus the George Washington Bridge. "The City That Never Sleeps," a dusk to dawn lighting schedule, will illuminate these crossings with spectacular, multi-color light shows that will be visible for miles. Illuminating New York's already awe-inspiring structures will transform them into international tourist attractions with the potential to drive additional tourism revenue. LED installations are set to begin this January.

State Senator and Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "This is a smart undertaking that will not only make our transportation infrastructure more efficient but also safer and create more jobs. New York must redesign and rebuild for the 21st century to compete in the global marketplace. I look forward to working with the Governor as this transformative project moves forward."

Senator Joseph Robach, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee said, "New York's bridges and tunnels are used by millions of people each year and essential to our entire region's economic success. Governor Cuomo has put forward a plan to reimagine our transportation system for the 21st century and it will result in less traffic, increased capacity, and more durability to withstand natural disasters. This project is a win-win for New York and its residents, and I can’t wait to see it move forward in the months to come.”

Assemblyman David Gantt, chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee said, “Efficient and secure transportation is an essential to life in our state, however, for many years, our bridges and tunnels have not been meeting the demands of modern day New York. By combining energy-efficient and beautiful construction with common sense innovation and heightened security, Governor Cuomo’s plan meets and exceeds the needs of New York commuters now and for years to come. We must act now to ensure the sustainability of our transit system and Governor Cuomo has laid out a bold plan to do just that.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, "New York is leading the nation in infrastructure investment because Governor Cuomo recognizes the connection between strong infrastructure and a strong economy. With the needs of the modern economy in mind, the plan includes innovative solutions to everyday problems facing commuters, like automatic tolling, while improving sustainability and efficiency for a stronger, greener New York."

Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary Labarbera said, “No one in recent memory has demonstrated such a commitment to the hard-working men and women of this state than Governor Andrew Cuomo. The proposals unveiled here today are challenging us to consider the future we want to build together. It’s a future that invests in energy efficient, cost-effective projects that are built with the strength and sturdiness necessary to weather the heavy use and heavy storms they’re bound to experience. Our aging bridges and tunnels are eyesores, and the Governor has delivered a plan, right on time. The working men and women of New York stand ready to make it a reality.”

Teamsters Joint Council 16 President George Miranda said, "Investments in infrastructure is one of the best ways to create jobs and jumpstart economic growth, and nobody knows that better than Governor Cuomo. This plan will not only transform New York's bridges and tunnels into the transportation system of tomorrow, but it will create good-paying jobs for thousands of New Yorkers. The working men and women of this state are ready to build for the future and we thank the Governor for his leadership in making these projects a reality.”

NYC Carpenters District Council President Steve McInnis said, “While much of our country struggles to keep up with modern infrastructure demands, Governor Cuomo is leading the way forward. This transformative plan will not only fortify our bridges and tunnels that transport millions of New Yorkers every day, but will heighten their security. The Governor knows that investing in infrastructure means creating jobs and strengthening our economy – since day one he has stood by the side with the men and women of our state, and this renaissance is the cornerstone of that commitment.”

NYS Ironworkers District Council President James Mahoney said, "New York is leading the nation in infrastructure investment because Governor Cuomo recognizes the connection between strong infrastructure and a strong economy. With the needs of the modern economy in mind, the plan includes innovative solutions to everyday problems facing commuters, like automatic tolling, while improving sustainability and efficiency for a stronger, greener New York." 

Follow this link to see renderings of the LED lighting plan. Follow this link for video.

 

. I wonder if they can re-institute 2 way tolling on the Verrazano with this.

 

[Lance]

This is all well and good, but where do I charge my phone? Where are the coveted USB ports? 

 

Seriously though, while there are good things in this announcement, like flood prevention measures and expansion of automatic tolling, I feel there's too much emphasis on making the crossings look pretty with the LED lights and the art installations. Beautification projects are good and all, but making sure the bridges and tunnels are in good working order should be top priority. Everything else should be secondary.

[R10 2952]

Nah, Andy Boy's just doing everything he can to keep people distracted from his shady dealings, hence the shiny lights.  Perhaps I'm not the only one anticipating an indictment...

[46Dover]

Nah, Andy Boy's just doing everything he can to keep people distracted from his shady dealings, hence the shiny lights.  Perhaps I'm not the only one anticipating an indictment...

It's happening in Jersey, so anything's possible:)

[Via Garibaldi 8]

This is all well and good, but where do I charge my phone? Where are the coveted USB ports? 

 

Seriously though, while there are good things in this announcement, like flood prevention measures and expansion of automatic tolling, I feel there's too much emphasis on making the crossings look pretty with the LED lights and the art installations. Beautification projects are good and all, but making sure the bridges and tunnels are in good working order should be top priority. Everything else should be secondary.

Wait a minute... Aren't you the individual that INSISTED that we should have art in the subways when I said that we should be focusing on having subways that are functional and in a state of good repair?  How is this any different?  

[Lance]

There you go again mincing my words into something else entirely. Personally, I don't care if the Arts for Transit projects go away. Sure, it breaks up the monotony, especially in the newer stations where it's white on white on periwinkle, but it's not necessary. But let's not pretend that savings will amount to anything. As I've probably stated before, the AFT projects, mandated by the city and state, is a minuscule expense in relation to the project in question that it doesn't matter.

 

My point in relation to my first post here is that there are way too many bridges and crossings that are structurally deficient in one way or another. Slapping LED lights and adding art installations are cool and all, but if it still takes an age to get across said crossing because of congestion due to piss-poor entrance/exit design, most people won't really care.

 

By the way, I do find it funny you dug up a thread that hasn't seen a response in over two months just for this.

[Via Garibaldi 8]

There you go again mincing my words into something else entirely. Personally, I don't care if the Arts for Transit projects go away. Sure, it breaks up the monotony, especially in the newer stations where it's white on white on periwinkle, but it's not necessary. But let's not pretend that savings will amount to anything. As I've probably stated before, the AFT projects, mandated by the city and state, is a minuscule expense in relation to the project in question that it doesn't matter.

 

My point in relation to my first post here is that there are way too many bridges and crossings that are structurally deficient in one way or another. Slapping LED lights and adding art installations are cool and all, but if it still takes an age to get across said crossing because of congestion due to piss-poor entrance/exit design, most people won't really care.

 

By the way, I do find it funny you dug up a thread that hasn't seen a response in over two months just for this.

I disagree.  We have 468 subway stations in the system (actually more when the SAS opens) and I think the needs as much as money as it can get for capital projects to make sure that stations are in a good state of repair.  How exactly are your words being minced?  

 

I would've responded sooner, but for whatever reason I didn't see your response until yesterday.  Likely because this isn't a place I frequent.

[peacemak3r]

MTA should be using toll money to maintain the very same roads it's tolling; no if's, and's, or but's.

[Gotham Bus Co.]

With "open tolling" being implemented, maybe the V-Z can go back to collecting (i.e. scanning tags) in both directions instead of westbound only.

[46Dover]

I was going to say that this likely puts toll collectors out of work, but seeing as how basically the MTA Police are toll collectors (much to my shock and awe when I first noticed several years back of course), I'm guessing they'll be doing other things

[Gotham Bus Co.]

I was going to say that this likely puts toll collectors out of work, but seeing as how basically the MTA Police are toll collectors (much to my shock and awe when I first noticed several years back of course), I'm guessing they'll be doing other things

 

You mean, like actual policing?

[46Dover]

You mean, like actual policing?

Or that, lol

[N6 Limited]

With "open tolling" being implemented, maybe the V-Z can go back to collecting (i.e. scanning tags) in both directions instead of westbound only.

Would they have to go to Congress to get the act removed?

[Gotham Bus Co.]

Would they have to go to Congress to get the act removed?

 

Why would Congress be involved?

[peacemak3r]

I'm fine with VZ tolling both ways as long as it won't be $15+. 

[Gotham Bus Co.]

I'm fine with VZ tolling both ways as long as it won't be $15+. 

 

The current round-trip toll is double the two-way amount.

 

Right now the base VZ toll is zero (eastbound) and $16 cash or $11.08 with EZPass (westbound). With full-speed tolling in both directions, it becomes $8 or $5.54 each way (which is the same amount charged in each direction at each of the other major crossings). The special Staten Island resident amounts would also be cut in half.

[N6 Limited]

Why would Congress be involved?

http://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/24/nyregion/for-verrazano-one-way-tolls.html 

 

 

''Congress, in its wisdom, has decided that the way we collect tolls on the Verrazano Bridge is a national issue,'' said Arthur Perfall, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which runs the bridge through its Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority.

''Therefore, we have to obey the law.''

That law, sponsored by Representative Guy V. Molinari, Republican of Staten Island, was passed by the House of Representatives in September and by the Senate last week. It was tacked on as one of dozens of riders to a catch-all appropriations bill.

[Gotham Bus Co.]

http://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/24/nyregion/for-verrazano-one-way-tolls.html 

 

Okay, the purpose of that move was to move all the toll congestion to the east side of the toll plaza (i.e. over the harbor). With all electronic tolling, there won't be any toll plaza at all, so the rule won't be needed.

[N6 Limited]

Okay, the purpose of that move was to move all the toll congestion to the east side of the toll plaza (i.e. over the harbor). With all electronic tolling, there won't be any toll plaza at all, so the rule won't be needed.

The rule wouldn't just disappear, it would still have to be reversed.

[peacemak3r]

The current round-trip toll is double the two-way amount.

 

Right now the base VZ toll is zero (eastbound) and $16 cash or $11.08 with EZPass (westbound). With full-speed tolling in both directions, it becomes $8 or $5.54 each way (which is the same amount charged in each direction at each of the other major crossings). The special Staten Island resident amounts would also be cut in half.

 

Yes I know the prices of the bridge, I use is twice a month. What I was saying is, as long as it's not $15 both ways, I'm fine with it. That being said, if they split the cost as you said, I'm still fine with it..as I already pay that Battery tunnel toll with no guilt at all.