For Immediate Release: 03/22/21
Contact: Jennifer Givner | (518) 471-5300 | Jennifer.Givner@thruway.ny.gov  

UPDATE ON BOLTS AND THE SAFETY OF THE GOV. MARIO M. CUOMO BRIDGE

Here are the latest statements from Thruway Authority leadership and the Federal Highway Administration:

Statement by Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll and Project Director Jamey Barbas, P.E.:
Regarding the structural integrity of the bolts used on the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, we want to reiterate that the bridge is completely safe for the traveling public. The Federal Highway Administration, upon review of technical investigations, last week stated they have no safety concerns with the bridge. As we have previously detailed, the Thruway Authority spent more than one million dollars, brought in world-renowned experts, and studied and tested hundreds of bolts when the issue first arose in 2016. The tests confirmed that the bolts met all required material standards. Additionally, the bridge is routinely inspected and monitored, and for the most recently completed inspection, the bridge was given an excellent condition rating. FHWA has reviewed extensive material and laboratory test data for the bolts. We are sharing the Federal Highway Administration’s statement in full below.

Statement from Federal Highway Administration
Since the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge went into service in 2017, it has been regularly and thoroughly inspected as required by National Bridge Inspection Standards. These inspections have not revealed any safety issues with the bridge. FHWA is aware of recent allegations of safety issues related to bolt failures, as well as the New York State Thruway Authority’s independent testing and study of these issues. FHWA has reviewed inspection reports and other information from NYSTA and has no safety concerns with these bridges.

Contact:
Doug Hecox
Acting Director
FHWA Office of Public Affairs
(202) 366-2244
doug.hecox@dot.gov