Broadway Bridge 'won't fall' but needs work

By Manny Grossman

Even though the city Department of Transportation rates the Broadway Bridge as "safe," it scored less than stellar marks on its last inspection two years ago.

The city-owned bridge, which spans the Harlem River, scored a "3.986" rating at its last inspection on Oct. 3, 2005. Bridges' structural conditions are measured on a seven-point scale, and the city agency categorizes the local bridge's mark as "fair."

However, according to the New York state condition rating system, a score of "3" "describes a bridge element that is not functioning as designed." The report goes on to state, "Although not considered hazardous, such [bridges] require extensive rehabilitation."

Even a rating of "5," according to the state Department of Transportation, indicates some minor deterioration that needs repair.

According to Adam Levine, a state DOT spokesman, there were "some issues with the bank of the roadway, and the condition of the pavement, which lowered the overall rating."

There was also a bulge in the pedestrian sidewalk, he added.

But he was quick to point out that there were no "red or yellow flags" raised during the inspection that would indicate a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition.

Craig Chin, spokesman for the city DOT, also sought to allay concerns over the Broadway Bridge, saying, "The bridge is in good condition overall, with some items like painting and road surfaces needing a little bit of work."

"It's not like the bridge is going to fall down," he added.

The 45-year-old bridge has never had a significant renovation.

In the wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse that killed five people, city and state agencies across the country are reexamining the safety of their bridges and tunnels. The City Council has announced an oversight hearing to assess the state of the city's bridges on Thursday, Sept. 6.

On its Web site, the DOT has posted its "2006 Bridges and Tunnels Annual Condition Report," which includes ratings for bridges and tunnels across the five boroughs.

The report includes the Henry Hudson Parkway's eight overpasses in Riverdale, which for the most part scored average or better-than-average marks. The one exception was the West 252nd Street overpass, which fared slightly worse than the Broadway Bridge during its inspection on Feb. 23, 2006. The good news is that that overpass - along with the West 232nd Street, West 239th Street and Manhattan College Parkway overpasses - was scheduled for a complete makeover. Construction on the three farther south has wrapped up, while the West 252nd Street overpass project will conclude next year.

The Henry Hudson Bridge, which will be under construction for the next three years, was not included in that report. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has set aside $84.3 million to replace the entire roadway deck on the lower level.

Throughout the duration of the project at least one southbound lane will be closed. A second lane will be closed during off-peak hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.