Implosion of old Kosciuszko Bridge expected in Sept.

<p>With the new Kosciuszko Bridge up and running, many New Yorkers say they are worried about how and when the old bridge is coming down.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jul 12, 2017, 12:12 AM

Updated 2,490 days ago

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With the new Kosciuszko Bridge up and running, many New Yorkers say they are worried about how and when the old bridge is coming down.
A post on Facebook spread a rumor that it would come down Tuesday, but it didn't.
The program manager for the Newtown Creek Alliance says it will take some time in a two-step process.
"One thing to understand is the demolition is a long process, so they have actually started the process but it's an ongoing thing," says Willis Elkins. "They have already started taking part of it. In terms of what some people were expecting of a big explosion...likely not happening for a few months."
The state Department of Transportation says the first phase will consist of taking down the middle part of the old bridge onto a barge. That section will be shipped to New Jersey for recycling.
After the first phase is complete, the implosion is expected to happen sometime in September.
Elkins says the group is working closely with the state to ensure the demolition project won't add extra pollution to the environment surrounding Newtown Creek, and they are looking forward to new possibilities that the construction will bring.
"There's talk about building up park space underneath the Brooklyn side and up on the Queens side as well," Elkins says. "We are really excited about that because right now there's no pedestrian bike path and the new one will help connect these communities and also bring people down to see the creek and get engaged."


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