Work has commenced on a $161m bridge rehabilitation project along the Grand Central Parkway in Queens within the US state of New York. 

The project will involve improving seven bridges that were originally constructed in the 1970s. 

It will use a design-build delivery method, which allows the team to handle both the final design and construction phases. 

The project is expected to bolster mobility and resilience and enhance safety along a travel corridor that accommodates approximately 300,000 vehicles daily in Queens. 

New York governor Kathy Hochul said: “The Grand Central Parkway is one of New York City's most critical travel corridors and the rehabilitation of these bridges will help ensure that it continues to serve New Yorkers for decades to come.” 

The initiative, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will see deck replacements on three bridges and repairs and structural improvements on the remaining four. 

The rehabilitation effort is also intended to extend the service life of the bridges by up to 40 years. 

It encompasses the replacement of concrete bridge decks, pedestals, and steel bearings on the bridges over Winchester Boulevard and Cross Island Parkway, Vanderbilt Parkway. 

A fresh coat of paint will be applied to the structural steel, and the bridge railings will be upgraded to concrete barriers for enhanced safety. 

The four other bridges set for repair work include the Grand Central Parkway overpass above Union Turnpike and two along the westbound Grand Central Parkway service road bridges over the northbound and southbound Cross Island Parkway.  

The fourth bridge is the ramp from southbound Cross Island Parkway to eastbound Grand Central Parkway over Alley Pond Road. 

Queens president Donovan Richards said: “The rehabilitation of these seven bridges along the Grand Central Parkway will be another major step forward in the ongoing improvement of our borough’s transportation infrastructure.  

“Motorists who use the Grand Central Parkway will experience safer and smoother rides for decades to come thanks to this critically important project.” 

Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.