Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced plans for a new state-of-the art bridge to replace the more than 100-year old bridge that connects City Island to the rest of the Bronx.  On a tour of the promenade on City Island, the Mayor announced an ambitious project designed to benefit the residents and businesses of the island community.  The City’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will build a new, mast-type Cable Stayed Bridge with a single tower founded on the mainland side.  The new Bridge will carry one lane of traffic in each direction as well as one emergency lane in each direction. 

“City Island deserves a bridge as unique as the island itself,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “The plans for the new structure are truly striking and while I understand the sentimental value that the old bridge has for some members of this community, it was over 100 years old and in need of repair.”

This bridge will be built at the same footprint of the old bridge.  A temporary vehicular bridge will be constructed on the south side of the existing bridge to provide vehicular and pedestrian access to and from City Island during construction of the new bridge. Preliminary design on the new Bridge began this month and the final design is expect in August 2004.  Construction will begin as soon as possible; DOT estimates the capital construction costs to be $32 million.