A new Outerbridge Crossing by 2045? Politicians push for faster timeline
Staten Island-based politicians are asking New Jersey and New York's governors to work together on a faster solution.
Drivers on both sides of the Arthur Kill say they are frustrated with the state of the Outerbridge Crossing.
The 98-year-old bridge doesn't have emergency shoulders, which can lead to gridlock and subsequent accidents.
Recent crashes have renewed the calls for a new, wider bridge between New Jersey and Staten Island.
"The situation at the Outerbridge Crossing has reached critical mass," said New York City Councilman Frank Morano (R). He represents the South Shore of Staten Island, and calls the Outerbridge Crossing his constituents' way to the rest of the world - a journey that starts in Perth Amboy.
But the drive can be perilous.
"You almost feel like if you go an inch or two the wrong way in either direction, that you're going to be guilty of an accident," said Morano.
Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba told News 12 the issue is that the bridge was not built to handle today's volume - some 14 million annual crossings, per the Port Authority. News 12 has previously reported on regular, massive traffic jams in Perth Amboy near the Outerbridge Crossing.
The Port Authority last year approved more than $300 million for bridge rehab. Per the Coast Guard, work is ongoing through 2028. Plans for a new bridge aren't in the cards until the agency's 2036-2045 capital plan.
Politicians on Staten Island are asking New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill to work together on a faster solution.
"When you're dealing with all these agencies, almost nothing is on-time, on-budget, so we need to accelerate the planning phase," said Morano.
The Port Authority told News 12 it is reviewing the letter and working closely with both states. Gov. Sherrill's office did not return a request for comment.
"We've had the Bayonne Bridge get a replacement, we've had the Goethals Bridge get a replacement," said Morano. "Here on the South Shore of Staten Island, this is the only bridge we've had."
