Press Releases
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov
New Episode of NYC DOT’s Curb Enthusiasm Podcast Features Discussion With NYC DOT Deputy Commissioner of Bridges Paul Schwartz
Schwartz Oversees a 650-Employee Division at NYC DOT Focused on the Design, Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of 813 Bridges Across the Five Boroughs
Schwartz Discusses the Historic Restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Recent Brooklyn Bridge Vessel Strike, and How the Agency Is Using Technology To Preserve Aging Infrastructure
NEW YORK – New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the release of the 13th episode of the agency's Curb Enthusiasm podcast. The episode features NYC DOT Deputy Commissioner of Bridges Paul Schwartz, P.E., a 23-year veteran of the agency who oversees the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of its 813 bridges and hundreds of additional structures from culverts to retaining walls. The conversation focuses on a range of topics, from the historic restoration of the Brooklyn Bridge, the recent Brooklyn Bridge vessel strike, how the agency is using technology to preserve aging infrastructure, and more.
“One of the important responsibilities of New York City DOT is its management of 813 bridges across the five boroughs, including the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and other East River Bridges,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Deputy Commissioner Paul Schwartz gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at this important work.”
Schwartz focuses on NYC DOT’s most recent, $300 million Brooklyn Bridge rehabilitation project in which its limestone arch blocks were reinforced, scrubbed to remove harmful dirt and debris, restoring the bridge to its original grey color. Schwartz also lends historical perspective into commercial and passenger ferry industry opposition to building bridges over the East River in the 1800s, with that changing when the river froze in the 1870s leading to the development of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The discussion also concentrates on NYC DOT receiving state legislative approval to use Weigh-in-Motion sensors to enforce truck weight limits to protect aging infrastructure. Use of the technology has reduced overweight vehicles on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway’s triple cantilever by 60 percent. Schwartz also noted his excitement about the potential use of drones, robotics, advanced drainage equipment, and some prefabricated construction elements in maintaining NYC DOT’s bridge inventory. He wraps up his appearance with a call for more people to pursue careers in both the engineering and operational aspects of working with bridge infrastructure.
The Curb Enthusiasm podcast focuses on issues at the local, national, and international level and features guests who discuss the most consequential transportation work happening all over the globe.
The episode hosted by Emily Weidenhof, assistant commissioner of public realm at NYC DOT.
Curb Enthusiasm is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, BuzzSprout and other major streaming platforms. More information is available at nyc.gov/CurbEnthusiasm.
About Paul SchwartzPaul Schwartz, a native New Yorker, is the deputy commissioner of the Division of Bridges at NYC DOT. In his role, Mr. Schwartz oversees all aspects of design, construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction, maintenance, operation and administration of over 800 bridges and tunnels under the jurisdiction of NYC DOT.
He is responsible for formulating policy and providing executive and administrative direction for the Division of Bridges with a team of over 650 engineers, technicians, tradespeople, planners and administrators. Schwartz joined DOT in 2002.
Schwartz received a bachelor’s degree in operations research and industrial engineering from Cornell University’s College of Engineering and is a licensed professional engineer.
About Emily Weidenhof, Episode HostEmily Weidenhof is assistant commissioner of public realm at NYC DOT. Emily works closely with community organizations throughout the five boroughs to transform their streets as public space. For over a decade, she has focused on strengthening communities through the creation of plazas and shared streets and retooling the curb lane for innovative programming. She's also played an integral role in NYC DOT's Broadway Vision Plan, which employs a range of tools to reimagine the famed Manhattan corridor from Union Square to Columbus Circle, which now prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists. Emily has worked as an architect and urban designer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, including at the NYC Department of City Planning.
Emily received her bachelor's degree in architecture from Pennsylvania State University and her master's degree in architecture and urban design from Columbia University.