$1b to solve Bayonne Bridge height issue

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners has earmarked US$1 billion to expedite a solution to the Bayonne Bridge height issue, reported States News Service.

The Bayonne Bridge, which is 78 years old, has a current clearance of between 151 to 156 feet and the bridge is too low to accommodate large container vessels.

In 2014, the Panama Canal will widen and larger ships will visit the East Coast. These ships will not be able to pass under the current height restrictions of the Bayonne Bridge.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is in the process of undertaking a comprehensive study to examine which potential solutions are the most feasible. They include jacking the bridge; creating a lift bridge mechanism; building a new bridge; or replacing the bridge with a tunnel.

Upon completion of the Port Authorities study expected at year's end the most environmentally sound and cost effective approaches will be determined.

Local and state officials have been working with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and members of Congress to reach a solution.
(Source:www.cargonewsasia.com)