Jewel Avenue Bridge's $13M Rehab Is Complete

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — The state has finished a $13 million revamp of the Jewel Avenue Bridge over the Van Wyck Expressway, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

The two-year construction project included repairs to the bridge deck and structural steel, sidewalk reconstruction, road repaving and repairs to the entrance and exit ramps connecting Jewel Avenue to the southbound Van Wyck.

Among the other improvements are brand-new signs, LED streetlights, traffic lights and fencing.

Jewel Avenue Bridge connects Kew Gardens Hills to Forest Hills and is part of the routes of the Q4, Q44 and Q64 buses.

Elected officials said the multimillion-dollar revamp was integral to the safety of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

"Over the years, Queens has had several bridges and overpasses in need of long overdue repair, and I am delighted that the Jewel Avenue Bridge is being reopened," State Sen. Toby Ann Stavisky said in a statement.

"Bridges are vital to connecting communities and this project is an important addition to Queens County."

The state's transportation department finished the project just slightly behind schedule.