Senator Lanza Joins State Department of Transportation to Announce New Safety and Mobility Enhancements on Southbond West Shore Expressway on Staten Island

“The new auxiliary lane between Victory Blvd. and Muldoon Ave/Arden Ave. will reduce congestion along this notoriously bottlenecked stretch of the West Shore Expressway. I thank Governor Cuomo and DOT Acting Commissioner Karas for seeing this project, which I have long advocated for, through to completion.” Senator Andrew Lanza

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced new safety and mobility enhancements on the southbound West Shore Expressway on Staten Island.  The $7 million project, which began in May, added an extra or auxiliary lane connecting the Victory Boulevard entrance ramp with the Muldoon/Arden Avenues exit ramp, giving motorists additional distance to merge on and off the highway, enhancing safety and reducing congestion at that location, which at times had extended to the Staten Island Expressway.

“Staten Island is home to thousands of hard working New Yorkers who depend on the West Shore Expressway to get where they need to go every day.  This project was designed to reduce bottlenecks, enhance safety and improve the flow of traffic on this important stretch of highway,” said Acting Commissioner Karas.   

As part of the project, the main highway and ramps within the project limits were resurfaced. The drainage system was also enhanced to accept increased storm water runoff by replacing the existing 15-inch drainage pipe with an 18-inch pipe. Other drainage structures and pipes were cleaned and repaired.

Finishing work to be completed this year includes the addition of swales to filter storm water into the ground and reduce the amount going into the drain.  New lampposts will also be added at Exit 5 and three other locations to increase roadway illumination. New overhead signs and an exit sign will be installed within the project limits. Landscaping will be completed in the spring of 2019. 

Staten Island Borough President James S. Oddo said, “I’m pleased to see this much-needed project completed, which will alleviate many of the safety and traffic issues in the area. Thank you to NYS DOT for heeding our calls for help and taking action to give Staten Islanders a safer and quicker ride on the West Shore Expressway.”

Senator Andrew Lanza said, “The new auxiliary lane between Victory Blvd. and Muldoon Ave/Arden Ave. will reduce congestion along this notoriously bottlenecked stretch of the West Shore Expressway. I thank Governor Cuomo and DOT Acting Commissioner Karas for seeing this project, which I have long advocated for, through to completion.”
 
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

Recently, NYSDOT and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee unveiled a new public service announcement (PSA) and social media campaign focused on the importance of respecting flagging personnel. This year’s work zone safety campaign, “Flaggers have families too,” is designed to remind motorists that flagging personnel are not attempting to disrupt traffic – they are simply doing their jobs and want to get home safely at the end of each work day. The PSA can be viewed here and here.