The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released the results of a study completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week, which found the Bayonne Bridge’s height will pose a serious obstacle for the New York-New Jersey port to handle the newest and largest commercial ships in the coming decades.
With the scheduled expansion of the Panama Canal set to be completed in 2014, the number of large commercial shipping vessels is set to grow significantly in the region; however, the current height of the bridge will make it impossible for these ships to access the port. The report examined several potential solutions, including a tunnel linking Bayonne and Staten Island or increasing the bridge height to 215 feet by either raising the bridge or constructing a new bridge.
The Army Corps’ report also recommended further planning and environmental analyses to determine a preferred project alternative. The Port Authority authorized $10 million last month to begin this phase of the project. The study should be completed in 2010.
“More than 269,990 jobs are generated by activity in the Port of New York and New Jersey,” said Rep. Albio Sires. “We must act now to secure these jobs and maintain the port’s status as one of the largest and most productive port complexes in the nation.”
Study shows Bayonne Bridge is an obstacle for shipping
