Funding shortfalls in the wake of September 11^th have led the Port Authority to postpone construction of the Goethals Bridge twin and other large capital projects. According to the Star-Ledger, although PA operating revenues are at expected levels, the agency's security costs have doubled at bridges, tunnels, marine terminals and airports. 

The Goethals twin project - the proposed construction of a second highway bridge alongside the I-278 Goethals Bridge - has been an unpopular component of successive Port Authority capital programs. It was included in the five-year, $9.5 billion spending plan approved last year along with PA bridge and tunnel toll and PATH fare increases. 

The PA's announcement is not a big surprise, since the agency recently announced it would begin redecking the existing Goethals. The Port Authority had hoped to postpone the disruptive deck work until the twin was in place. Staten Islanders and some in the Elizabeth area have viewed the project as part of an overall widening plan for I-278 that would bring more cars and trucks through that corridor. 

Goethals Twin a Bad Fit for Pricing Plan (Jan 15, 2001)

Goethals Project Still Evil Twin for S.I.
(Oct. 22, 1999)

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