STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island drivers heading to New Jersey have a welcome reprieve this holiday weekend: the project on the Korean War Veterans Parkway is being put on hold.
Borough President Vito Fossella made the announcement on the social media platform X Friday night.
“We’ve been in conversation with the NYS Department of Transportation regarding the maintenance of the Korean War Veterans Parkway,” Fossella posted.
“Thanks to the intervention of Governor Hochul, we are pleased to share that the project is being cleaned up this weekend and is being delayed for two weeks, to formulate a better plan.”
On Thursday, Fossella had called on the state Department of Transportation to delay the project until after the summer is over.
Initial work for the major maintenance project had begun, and was set to ramp up this month.
A heavily traveled stretch of the roadway heading toward the South Shore of Staten Island and the Outerbridge Crossing had been reduced to a single southbound lane. The state DOT has said it plans to make improvements to the heavily trafficked roadway, including ramp work that encompasses replacing damaged concrete, crack sealing, curb repairs and other associated repairs.
The closed travel lane from the preliminary work triggered miles of backups, driver frustration and safety concerns.
Borough President Vito Fossella called on the New York State Department of Transportation to delay construction work on the Korean War Veterans Parkway after the summer.(Advance/SILive.com | Annalise Knudson)
“Who was at the wheel when they decided to practically shut down the Korean War Veterans Parkway on Staten Island during the summer?” asked Fossella on Thursday.
He noted that many Staten Island residents go to the Jersey Shore on a regular basis. In addition to traveling for special events, many residents also take the parkway to get to the Charleston shopping areas.
To conclude his announcement Friday night, Fossella thanked Hochul.
“We thank Governor Hochul and State Department of Transportation for listening to us, coming to the table, and addressing our concerns.”