Goldfeder Works with MTA Bridges and Tunnels to Improve Cross Bay Bridge Parking Lot

 Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder

Contract currently under procurement for work to include installation of new fence, repairs to concrete surface at MTA-owned lot on Rockaway approach to bridge

Announcement follows recent meeting with Goldfeder to discuss Marine Parkway Bridge project, MTA projects to improve infrastructure in southern Queens and Rockaway

Rockaway Beach, Queens –  Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D - Rockaway Beach) today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bridges and Tunnels is pursuing plans to improve its parking lot on the southern approach to the Cross Bay Bridge in Rockaway, as requested in a letter last month from Goldfeder to Bridges and Tunnels President James Ferrara. The agency is procuring a contract to replace rusted fencing and repair broken concrete in the parking lot, and has already removed trash and broken branches from the site located at the entrance to the Rockaway Peninsula.  

“The Cross Bay Bridge lot is the first thing thousands of beachgoers see coming to Rockaway during the summer. This small effort on behalf of the MTA will go a long way in making our community a more attractive and safer place to live and visit,” said Assemblyman Goldfeder. “I’d like to thank MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast and MTA Bridges and Tunnels for tirelessly working to improve our vital infrastructure on the Rockaway Peninsula.”

“MTA Bridges and Tunnels has always been committed to being a good neighbor to the communities where our facilities are located,” said Rockaway Bridges Facility Engineer Lloyd Drummond. “This improvement work was in process for some time, and we’re glad to bring it to fruition when the Rockaways are ready to welcome the world to their shores once again.”

MTA Bridges and Tunnels is currently procuring the contract to make repairs to the parking lot between Beach Channel Drive and Rockaway Freeway at Beach 94th Street, which is used by employees and contractors of the state authority. The work will include replacing the damaged and rusted fence surrounding the lot and repairs to the cracked concrete surface. Bridge maintenance crews already took steps to remove trash and broken tree branches from the site, responding to Goldfeder's request made last month in a letter to MTA Bridges and Tunnels President James Ferrara. The planned repairs were announced during a recent meeting between Goldfeder and MTA representatives to discuss ongoing work to revamp infrastructure at the nearby Marine Parkway Bridge. 

The Cross Bay Bridge links Rockaway to Broad Channel and the rest of Queens. The bridge, which opened to traffic in 1970, has six lanes of traffic and serves approximately 22,000 vehicles per day, with traffic increasing during the busy summer months. In March, tolls for the bridge rose to $4.00 for cars and $2.08 for E-ZPass holders. However, since his election to the state legislature, Goldfeder has successfully maintained a residency rebate for Rockaway and Broad Channel residents to provide relief from the toll and continues to be a staunch advocate to completely eliminate the toll for all Queens residents.    

“The Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges are two of only three evacuation routes for thousands of families on the Rockaway Peninsula. Keeping our infrastructure in the best possible condition not only beautifies the community, it also helps protect our families during major emergencies,” concluded Goldfeder.