Q: Why is the right lane on the Newburgh-Beacon bridge usually closed, with a red “X” over the lane instead of a green arrow? ~George Gannsle, Nanuet
A: The right lane allows drivers to pull out of traffic in emergencies, said Chris Steber, a representative of the New York State Bridge Authority. These breakdown lanes also allow emergency vehicles to cross the bridge quickly. When traffic is unusually high, the Bridge Authority will sometimes open the lanes, he said.
Over the last few years, work being done on the bridge has required the closing of the left and center lanes, meaning the breakdown lane has been used for traffic, which may have caused confusion, Steber said. But that work is now complete.
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The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge isn’t as bad as the Throgs Neck. Daytime, nighttime, weekends — I’ve never crossed it with all lanes open. Sometimes there are a bunch of trucks parked in the closed lane and not a human in sight. Will they ever finish it? [via Facebook]
If they closed one lane on the George Washington Bridge, you’d have traffic backed up from Connecticut to halfway down the turnpike. [via Facebook]
The lane is closed because they don’t want to wear it out! [via Facebook]
That lane should not be closed. There is a very heavy merge coming down from Route 9D. Tons of accidents happen there from vehicles trying to merge. With the lane open, there is no merge required. [via Facebook]