Hey there, folks! So, like, the MTA is totally cracking down on those speed demons zooming through construction zones on its bridges and tunnels. Watch out, reckless drivers, ’cause you’re about to pay the price!
In a move approved as part of the state budget worth a cool $254 million, Governor Kathy Hochul and the lawmakers are expanding the construction-zone speed camera program to cover the MTA’s seven bridges and two tunnels. That’s right, we’re talking about the Bronx-Whitestone, Cross Bay, Henry Hudson, Marine Parkway, Robert F. Kennedy, Throgs Neck, and Verrazzano-Narrows Bridges, as well as the Hugh L. Carey and Midtown Tunnels.
As for when these cameras will start nabbing offenders and collecting fines, well, that’s still up in the air. But here’s the deal – if you dare to exceed the speed limit in a work zone on any of these crossings, you can expect a fine in your mailbox. The first offense will hit you with a $50 fine, and if you’re dumb enough to get caught again within 18 months, that fine jumps to $75. And for all subsequent violations within that same timeframe, you’re looking at a $100 fine. Ouch!
Governor Hochul is all about safety, y’all. Her spokesperson, Kara Cumoletti, said, “Yeah, public safety is, like, her number one priority. Expanding this camera program to MTA Bridges and Tunnels is just one more way she’s trying to make our roads and bridges safer for everyone.” Can’t argue with that logic!
These speed cameras are being hailed as a ‘tool’ for maintaining safety at work zones. Apparently, the governor signed off on this five-year pilot program called the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement initiative back in 2021. State stats show that there were a whopping 378 “work zone intrusions” on NYS roads maintained by the state Department of Transportation in just 2021. That’s a lot of intruding vehicles, folks!
Catherine Sheridan, president of MTA Bridges and Tunnels, is all about protecting those hard-working construction folks. She said, “We gotta make sure our maintenance workers and contractors are safe, and these cameras are gonna help with that. Big shoutout to the governor and the legislature for making it happen.”
Now, where’s all this fine money going, you ask? Well, most of it will fund state worker safety programs, but 20% will go to NYC to help with adjudication costs. Gotta keep those wheels turning, right?
The MTA’s nine crossings in NYC see over 336 million vehicle trips each year. The two tunnels – Hugh L. Carey (Brooklyn-Battery) and Queens-Midtown – are part of the MTA’s congestion pricing program, meaning vehicles entering Manhattan have to cough up a $9 base toll.
And speaking of congestion pricing, that whole situation is still up in the air thanks to the federal court. Despite the U.S. Department of Transportation revoking its approval, the tolls have already raked in $159 million since launching on Jan. 5. That’s some serious cash!
The MTA plans to use this toll money for improving the city’s public transportation systems. Think train signal updates, new electric buses, and structural repairs. So, yeah, it’s all about making our commute smoother and safer, folks.
And there you have it, the MTA’s got its eyes on you, speedsters. Slow down and drive safe, or else those cameras will catch you in the act!
