Design sketches regarding the proposed replacement of the Roslyn Viaduct Bridge with a new, state-of-the-art structure are now on display for review by the general public at both the Roslyn Village Hall and the Bryant Library.

According to Craig Siracusa, Long Island Regional Director with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), the preliminary plans being displayed were developed by the DOT in partnership with a local Bridge Task Force (BTF) Committee. The extensive project proposes to replace the more than 50-year-old and one-half mile long Roslyn Viaduct structure with a structure utilizing effective and time-saving construction methods.

"As one of the main east-west routes on the north shore of Long Island, one that is used by more than 45,000 cars and trucks each day, the Roslyn Viaduct is a vital part of maintaining mobility on Long Island," said Mr. Siracusa. "We are fortunate that the members of the BTF worked closely with the DOT at the conceptual stages of the bridge design, and assisted us in identifying many issues that are important to the surrounding community."

Spanning Hempstead Harbor and the Village of Roslyn, the current Roslyn Viaduct was constructed in 1949. It is approximately 2,200 feet long and has 2,775 feet of approach roadway and ramps. The replacement of the Viaduct is necessary to address the DOT's concerns regarding the long-term structural integrity of the aging bridge, and its outmoded design (e.g., lack of shoulders on the bridge, poor sight distance for motorists approaching the bridge from the west and on the ramps, and lack of handicapped accessibility). While these deficiencies do not endanger the safety of the traveling public, they mandate that the Viaduct be replaced.

In order to design a bridge that can be accepted by the Roslyn community, the DOT initiated a partnership program with local civic leaders. The Bridge Task Force is comprised of elected officials and their appointed representatives. Its purpose has been to gather public opinion and work with the DOT to recommend the conceptual features of the new bridge.

The objectives of the program include replacing the Viaduct with a structure that meets current standards and continues to carry four lanes of vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists during the construction period. It also includes improving the structural and geometric features to provide a new, low maintenance facility, minimizing both the impacts to surrounding properties and the community and the construction time duration itself.

According to DOT officials, the proposed replacement structure is a segmental concrete box-girder bridge. The concrete structure, DOT officials claim, requires no painting and the closed form of the box-girders eliminates the possibility of structure infestation by birds.

The draft design of the bridge was completed in the winter of 2000. A public hearing on the draft is set for spring of this year. The DOT hopes to have a project design approved by this summer, with a final draft completed by the fall of 2002. The DOT is more flexible on when construction of the new Viaduct actually begins: That may happen in either 2003 or 2004. Whenever construction does begin, it is expected to last for 30 months.

"I commend the cooperative efforts of the DOT and the local bridge task force in developing the preliminary plans for the new Roslyn viaduct," said State Senator Michael Balboni. "I encourage all Roslyn residents to take advantage of this opportunity to view the design sketches, and to voice their comments and suggestions at this time. I am confident that with everyone's input, the final bridge plan will improve traffic flow, protect the safety of motorists and pedestrians, while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing architectural design."

Village of Roslyn Mayor Janet Galante said, "Important to these discussions over the past two years is the incorporation in the design of the new viaduct of many of the suggestions made by this group. As the public comment process begins, I am confident that the openness of the Department of Transportation will continue so that the most acceptable and least disruptive design for the new viaduct will come into fruition."

Mayor Galante noted that the Roslyn bridge task force held 14 meetings and pointed out, "It was at these meetings that the importance of design to fit the historic neighborhoods was established. I am pleased with the process made and the cooperation exhibited by Long Island Regional Director Craig Siracusa in opening the discussions to the public."