Mayor de Blasio Announces Completion of FDR Highway Resurfacing, Urges Drivers to Slow Down in Work Zones

November 30, 2015

Video available at: https://youtu.be/Ibb6R4BM738

First extensive repaving since highway was completed in 1966, part of 2,500-mile repaving initiative by de Blasio administration

Speeding in work zones carries increased fines for drivers

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio and Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg today announced the ahead-of-schedule completion of a resurfacing project along the 9.5-mile FDR Highway from Montgomery Street to 125th Street. The $8.5 million project kicked off in early July and will conclude this week. This is the first time since the FDR was completed in 1966 that it has been resurfaced end-to-end. Over 150,000 motorists travel the FDR each day and this investment is part of a larger $1.6 billion commitment the City has made over the next decade to resurface roads all over the city, with 2,500 lane miles to be resurfaced in the next 18 months.

Mayor de Blasio urged drivers to slow down and respect posted speed limits throughout the city, including in work zones where DOT personnel are resurfacing roadways. The penalty for speeding in a work zone is double a typical speeding ticket, with penalties that range from approximately $190 and $700.  In addition, motorists who speed in a work zone face additional points on the driving record and administrative fees.

“The men and women on these crews have worked hard to get streets and highways like the FDR in better repair than they’ve been in decades. This is part of the biggest repaving effort in 25 years and it’s something New Yorkers are going to see and feel every day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “We owe it to these workers to keep them safe on the job. We need drivers to slow down across the whole city, including in our work zones.”

“I thank the dedicated men and women of DOT's Roadways Division for their hard work this season resurfacing the FDR Drive and nearly 1,100 miles of streets so far throughout the city, made possible by Mayor de Blasio's leadership and commitment of resources," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "Motorists, cyclists, wheelchair users and pedestrians crossing intersections will benefit from DOT's resurfacing work in all five boroughs.  I ask that motorists show appreciation to our Roadways crews by driving slowly and safely near our work zones."

“Even in dense Manhattan where we rely on mass transit, keeping our road network in good repair is vital," said Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. "The FDR Drive is a crucial artery for Manhattan traffic, and it has sorely needed maintenance and repaving. Whether it's keeping everyday traffic moving or shaving life-and-death seconds off an emergency vehicle's travel time, repaving lanes and eliminating potholes makes a real difference.”

"The timely repaving of the FDR answers the call of many of my constituents and immediately makes driving down the East Side safer and more comfortable,” said Council Member Ben Kallos. “Thank you to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and Borough Commissioner Margaret Forgione, as well as everybody who worked tirelessly to get this project done quickly and effectively."

“The completion of this season's FDR repaving project marks a great relief to New York City drivers and East Side residents alike. Robert Moses first arranged for the transport of rubble from World War II in England to be used as landfill in the construction of the FDR drive. This extension of Manhattan Island is vital to our transportation system. I commend the patience of all those who used the roadway during this most recent renovation process and applaud those dedicated workers who labored long, dangerous hours to complete this project,” said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright.

“I am proud to join Mayor de Blasio and DOT Commissioner Trottenberg in celebrating the completion of the full milling and pavement of the FDR Drive. The Drive is a major transportation artery for our city and it is our responsibility to ensure its roads are safe for drivers,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Transportation Committee. “I applaud the men and women who worked long hours to ensure this project came to successful fruition and join the Mayor and Commissioner in highlighting the importance of work zone safety education.”

The complex FDR project, especially with its overnight hours, did not come without challenges. DOT, its Traffic Management Center and Emergency Response team coordinated with NYPD's Highway Division on awareness for drivers, and DOT extensively broadcast the paving schedule and updates to the media and public. The FDR project underscores the importance of driving slowly and safely near work zones, to keep City workers safe and allow them perform their important duties.

DOT's resurfacing and paving operation has already resurfaced 1,089 miles of roadway so far in 2015, and the agency’s crews have patched 433,609 potholes since January alone. Every borough will exceed last year’s total lane miles resurfaced by the end of this calendar year.