From the Daily News:
Astoria residents, tired of the heavy trucks that rumble through their streets in search of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, have made a seemingly simple request to state transportation officials.
They want the Grand Central Parkway opened up to trucks for the seven-tenths of a mile between the end of the
But the hurdles are high.
It would take an act of law, state approvals and construction to get the plan rolling because commercial traffic is banned from parkways.
City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr., who supports the proposal, said city transportation officials have embraced the idea even though it would involve some unusual construction work on the highway.
The roadbed of the Grand Central Parkway would have to be lowered about six inches to allow trucks clearance under the 31st St. overpass.
"The trucks can fit there now, but they don't have the required safety clearance," Vallone said.
Although the work sounds complicated, Vallone said he was told it could be completed in one weekend.
Gianaris said he believes the state Legislature would pass the law to open up the parkway if the state Department of Transportation gave its blessing.
State DOT officials said yesterday they were reviewing the proposal.
14 comments:
Could be completed in one weekend, but contractors will stretch it out to two months.
How many times has this been proposed over the years? I seem to recall Peter, Sr. wanting to do this as well.
Although the work sounds complicated, Vallone said he was told it could be completed in one weekend.
If he believes that, I've got a bridge to sell him.
Sweet Vishnu, that is one of the funniest things I have ever read.
The Daily News article doesn’t accurately represent the current situation. In fact it gives the impression that no trucks are currently allowed on the parkway which is not the case. Since 2003 many trucks already use the Grand Central Pkwy to the BQE. Trucks with 3 or less axles and under 12′6″ can use the parkway and do not have to use the local streets. The local neighborhood received a great reduction in truck traffic (70% by one estimate) with this allowance, they could at least acknowledge it.
If it helps residents nearby, OK. But what about the downside for car motorists and LGA traffic which will have trucks of all sizes in the mix?
If it helps residents nearby, OK. But what about the downside for car motorists and LGA traffic which will have trucks of all sizes in the mix?
Did you even read the article? Trucks will be allowed on the GCP for less than a mile. They will be allowed to go to the exit for the BQE, and not beyond.
Don't trucks of all sizes just go from the RFK to GCP to BQE now, as if this were already the rule?
No, they must exit immediately after crossing the bridge. They are not allowed on the GCP.
Crappy, trucks are currently permitted to use the GCP to the BQE as long as they are under 12'6 and 3 axles or less.
* Grand Central Parkway (entire length except for the portion of the Parkway between the Triborough Bridge and the western leg of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway)*
*Note: Single-unit vehicles with no more than three axles and ten tires may operate in both directions on this segment of the Grand Central Parkway, between the Triborough Bridge and the western leg of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Buses are prohibited from operating on the Grand Central Parkway without consent.
source: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/commvehicle.shtml
They obviously are talking about tractor trailers.
Yes, they are, but the article does not indicate that, it gives the impression that no trucks are presently allowed on the pkwy. From your last comment, I wasn't sure you were clear that some trucks are allowed.
The section of the parkway we are talking about is not straight, it is a slight curve, and there is heavy traffic merging from the entrance ramp on 35th st. Allowing 53' trailers on this section would not be the safest situation.
Technically, you're on the BQE and not the GCP when you get over the bridge. Check the exit numbers. GCP ends at the BQE actually, and the BQE/I-278 continues over the bridge. Technically that should allow for some federal funds to allow for the necessary construction for the lowering under the 31st Street overpass. The 31st Street Exit is 45 (following the BQE's exit numbering) vs the last exit of the GCP (exit 5 for Astoria Blvd/82nd Street).
Interesting observation. Google maps also shows that section or roadway as I-278.
Whatever happened to this situation? Its been two years I can find no follow up.
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