MTR 250, PA Argument Doesn't Support New Span

Mobilizing the Region
Issue 250 December 30, 1999

PA Argument Doesn't Support New Span

The Port Authority's new rationale for Goethals Bridge "twin" construction - that growth at Staten Island's Howland Hook container terminal will be choked off without better highway access to New Jersey - dramatically overstates the difficulties of moving freight over the existing Goethals span and dodges the fact that the Port Authority's fight with Union County, NJ, continues to hold up implementation of rail freight access to Howland Hook.

PA officials recently told the Staten Island Advance that without a second bridge, Howland Hook would fall short of its potential.

But the old Goethals Bridge remains uncongested for most of each day. Rail access would clearly represent a greater step forward for Howland Hook than the convenience a second bridge would afford trucks. S.I. officials would do well to raise this issue as the Port Authority continues to pitch its construction plans.