Mayor Thomas Gets MTA Board to Commit to Bridge Study

Mayor Richard Thomas and members of the Administration addressed the
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) board at its October monthly
meeting detailing the negative effects caused by the closure of several
MTA-owned bridges located throughout the city. Mayor Thomas and staff
urged the MTA to expedite repairs.

Fortunately, the MTA heard their concerns. Board member Andrew M. Saul (representing
Westchester County) noted that the current situation sounded “terrible”
and presents a “legitimate problem.” He requested MTA management
prepare a full report at the next Metro North Committee meeting be
presented including the status of the repairs, and analysis of whether
repairs can be expedited.

“I am pleased the MTA board heard our concerns today and is acting to
evaluate whether the capital repairs can be expedited,” said Mayor
Thomas. “I look forward to reviewing the report the board requested and
working with the MTA to determine how these essential repairs can be
accelerated.”

The Mayor, along with the City’s Police Commissioner Shawn Harris, Deputy
Fire Commissioner Deborah Norman, and Executive Director of the
Industrial Development Agency Eileen Mildenberger, raised concerns about
the harmful impacts the bridges closures are causing for residents and
merchants.

Currently four out of the existing eight MTA bridges are closed to vehicular
traffic because they are deemed unsafe. Some of the bridges are 100
years old and have been closed for years, due to need for capital repair
and rehabilitation.

In June, Mayor Thomas announced that the MTA began capital repairs on the
14th Avenue bridge, and a schedule to repair all bridges.

You Tube video of public comment is below.

Mayor Thomas’ comments 14:07 minutes here.
Andrew Saul’s comments begin around 1:48:00 minutes here.