Senator Stavisky, Assemblyman Ron Kim, Councilman Peter Koo and Queens DOT Commissioner Nicole Garcia Announce Work To Begin At 149th Street Bridge

Flushing, NY—Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), joined by the office of Assemblyman Ron Kim, Councilman Peter Koo, Department of Transportation Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, the Korean American Association of Queens and local business owners, announced the start of long-awaited construction at the 149th Street Bridge.

After five years of being barricaded and closed off to cars, the city has approved a contract to reconstruct the bridge that runs over Long Island Rail Road tracks and connects many residents of Murray Hill and surrounding areas near 41st Avenue to the businesses near Roosevelt Avenue.

Preliminary work will begin on November 30, when Perfetto Contracting Co., Inc will officially be allowed to apply for various permits and prepare to put shovels in the ground.

A new two-lane bridge was set to open in 2012, but the bridge was found to be unsafe for cars to travel upon. The structure remained barricaded and unused while a replacement bridge was planned for development.

For years, Senator Stavisky, her colleague in the State Assembly Ron Kim and Council Member Peter Koo worked together with the Department of Transportation in opening the bridge as soon as possible. Surrounding businesses – mostly Korean-owned – suffered major loss in revenue or went out of business as a result of the closed bridge.

Now, with the help of the new Queens DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia, preliminary work can begin at the end of the month.

In addition to the new bridge, 2-hour metered parking will be installed at 41st Avenue, between 149th Place and 150th Street; at 149th street between Roosevelt and 41st avenues;  at 150th Street between Roosevelt and Barclay avenues as well as Roosevelt and Barton avenues, and Roosevelt and 41st avenues; as well as at 149th Place between Roosevelt and Barton avenues, and 41st and Barclay avenues.

Meter installation comes after local business owners shared concerns over a lack of parking. The meters will ensure quicker turnover, so that spots will be more readily available for patrons.

“The closure of the 149th Street Bridge has been one of the most frustrating problems I have ever dealt with as a representative of this district,” State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing) said. “But finally, after five years of frustration, I am happy to say there is a light at the end of this tunnel for the Murray Hill community. I want to thank the DOT and Commissioner Nicole Garcia for finally restarting this project, as well as my colleagues, Assemblyman Kim and Council Member Koo.”

"I am relieved that the 149th bridge will finally be under construction.  Merchants have grown sick and tired of the issues that the five years of delay on this bridgework have created.  Many of them have had to shut down, move, or go out of business, and all of them have lost revenue.  This issue has been a huge frustration and it is about time that the city can start work and answering to our concerns.  I appreciate the work my colleagues, Senator Stavisky and Councilmember Koo, put in as we have spent many tireless hours trying to resolve this issue.  I also appreciate Commissioner Garcia for making this a priority and for installing the parking meters.  I look forward to having this bridge safe and accessible for our constituents," Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) said.

“The 149th Street bridge has been a blight on our community for far too long, causing severe inconveniences for residents and commuters in the Murray Hill neighborhood in Flushing,” Council Member Peter Koo (D-Flushing) said. My office and other elected officials and community organizations in Flushing have been working to expedite the restoration of this important thoroughfare, and we are happy to announce today that construction is finally slated to begin with completion in the near future.”

“DOT is taking an important step towards a reopened 149th Street Bridge and greatly appreciates the Murray Hill and Flushing community’s patience as the process moves forward,” said Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia. “Safety is DOT’s number one priority and, with the planned construction of a new concrete deck, this bridge will once again serve as a safe and vital connector for this vibrant community.”

“I am very delighted to hear that the 149th Bridge will be under construction once again after waiting 5 years for it to continue,” Paul Yoo, president of KAAQ, said. “For years, there were delinquents staying around the blocked area. Merchants were closing down due to lack of customers and residents had to go around to 149th Place, where accidents were happening due to the high traffic volume. Residents and merchants suffered too much damage due to the 149th Bridge closure. City officials now need to keep watch and supervise the 149th Bridge until the construction is finished. I would like to express my gratitude for Senator Toby Stavisky, Assemblyman Ron Kim, City Councilman Peter Koo and DOT officials for working hard to get this construction completed for the merchants and residents of the area.”

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