NY-NJ Port Seeks Bayonne Bridge Proposals | Journal of Commerce

NY-NJ Port Seeks Bayonne Bridge Proposals: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued a request for proposals from engineering companies and consulting firms to provide technical information on the environmental and regulatory issues related to modifying or replacing the Bayonne Bridge.

Port Authority using 'best practices' to finance raising of Bayonne Bridge | State | NewJerseyNewsroom.com -- Your State. Your News.

Port Authority using 'best practices' to finance raising of Bayonne Bridge: Gov. Chris Christie Tuesday said the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is what doing is described as "fast tracking a comprehensive review that will focus on providing best practices'' for financing the raising of the height of the Bayonne Bridge.  RFP Advertisement.

Port Authority fast-tracks possible replacement of Bayonne Bridge | APP.com | Asbury Park Press

Port Authority fast-tracks possible replacement of Bayonne Bridge: Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials announced they are fast-tracking a review of environmental issues to help speed modification or replacement of the Bayonne Bridge to accommodate the latest generation of super container ships which could move to other ports if the span isn't modified.

2010 Bayonne Mayoral Forum - Question 7

Nice Pic

Courtesy of Derek2k3 on Wired New York.

Concerns About PA Focus/Priorities

Long Live The World Trade « Zachary Fink Blog: Assemblyman Al Countinho who chairs Commerce and Economic Development has been pushing for the Bayonne Bridge project to became a priority for the bi-state agency. And he is concerned that all the emphasis on the WTC has forced the PA into a state of paralysis everywhere else.

Recently Taken Random Photos

Despite the Economy, Major Infrastructure Projects Move Forward with an Emphasis on Jobs, Event Attendees are Told

NAIOP NEW JERSEY TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: "NEXUS FOR ALL THINGS" - NAIOP-New Jersey "Calling the Port Authority "one of the engines of our economy — we are acutely aware of our role in creating jobs," Baroni said that finding a solution to the air draft issue relating to the Bayonne Bridge "a top priority and an impending crisis. We are aggressively focused on finding a solution to put New Jersey's ports in a position to take the larger ships" expected as a result of the Panama Canal widening."

NJ 101.5 Weighs in On Bridge Issue

Fix The Bridge...or Lose Thousands Of Jobs! - New Jersey 101.5 FM: There is growing support for a plan to raise the Bayonne bridge by 64 feet - so the next generation of Super cargo ships will be able fit under the span - and make their way into ports Newark and Elizabeth.

Construction News from the Other Side

City pouring $28M into cement complex: The city has green-lighted the allocation of $28 million in federal tax-exempt bonds to assist in construction of Staten Island Terminal in Elm Park, expected to be the largest cement importer and distributor in the state and an engine for 300-plus jobs in the borough.

New Jersey & Company Magazine - Bridging the Difference

New Jersey & Company Magazine - Bridging the Difference "The bridge in question is the 70-year-old Bayonne Bridge, which connects Bayonne to Staten Island. And at 150 feet off the water, the bridge has a history of impeding larger ships, many of which are about 170 feet high."

Under the Bridge Today....

In port today ... Flurry of activity as the harbor begins a new week

Random Picture of Bridge

Bayonne Bridge on Flickr -by sunrisesoup

Publish Post

Bayonne Bridge on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Random Pic of Bayonne Bridge on Flickr:

Christie Committed to Fixing Bridge Problem

Gov. Christie woos business leaders in New Brunswick | APP.com | Asbury Park Press: "Christie also said he is committed to investing the time and money to fix the Bayonne Bridge, which has too low of a clearance to accommodate new super-sized cargo ships. Christie said fixing the problem is vital for the state's economy and would also send a positive message to the state's business community."

Hyundai Voyager Passing Under Bayonne Bridge

Hyundai Voyager Passing Under Bayonne Bridge: "Hyundai Voyager clears the Bayonne Bridge as she transits the Kill van Kull in this January 9, 2010 photo."

Senate Panel Approves Resolution Urging Port Authority to Address Height Restrictions at Bayonne Bridge

The Senate Transportation Committee today approved a measure sponsored by Senators Nicholas J. Sacco and Sandra B. Cunningham calling for a plan of action to ensure that the Port of New York and New Jersey remains a major destination point for worldwide cargo by addressing shipping clearance limitations at the Bayonne Bridge.

'Without action to address this issue, the region stands to lose roughly 270,000 jobs generated by the Port of New York and New Jersey' said Sen. Sacco (D-Bergen/Hudson). 'If we don't ease the restricted shipping access at the Bayonne Bridge, New Jersey will face a huge competitive disadvantage that would have far-reaching implications on our economy.'

The measure (SR-47), which was approved unanimously, urges the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to formulate an engineering and funding solution to the impasse at the Bayonne Bridge while seeking financial assistance from available federal transportation programs.

'The Bayonne Bridge is critical to the region's economic infrastructure,' said Sen. Cunningham (D-Hudson). 'Given the increasingly competitive nature of the global economy, we stand to lose between $4.4 and $17.6 billion in economic activity annually if we don't act soon. An investment in the Bayonne Bridge now will pay dividends for years to come.'

The air draft beneath the bridge varies with the tide between 151 and 156 feet. Presently, 88 percent of containerized cargo is delivered to New York and New Jersey Marine Terminals located west of the Bayonne Bridge.

With the expansion of the Panama Canal scheduled to be completed in 2014, the number of large ships requiring air clearance in excess of 151 feet will grow as more cargo is delivered directly to East Coast ports from Asia. If the bridge remains too low to accommodate these larger ships, the Port of New York and New Jersey will be put at a competitive disadvantage with ports in Norfolk, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia for access to new Asian cargo.

In September 2009, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey commissioned the New York District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look at the commercial consequences of and the economic benefits generated by the air draft restriction imposed by the current height of the Bayonne Bridge. The Army Corps of Engineers validated the need to increase the air clearance from 151 feet to at least 215 feet, which is the available air clearance under the Bridge of the Americas on the Panama Canal.

The resolution now heads to the full Senate for final approval. Once approved, signed copies of the resolution will be transmitted to various elected officials, including: Governor Christie; the Governor of New York; the Board of Commissioners of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; the President and Minority Leader of the New Jersey Senate; the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate; the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives; and every
member of New Jersey's Congressional delegation."

Christie Stumps in Bayonne, Says Bayonne Bridge High on Agenda

Hudson Reporter - Christie stumps in Bayonne for proposed state cuts: "Both during that prior meeting and the visit to Bayonne, Christie said the fate of the Bayonne Bridge was high on his agenda, noting that the ports along Newark Bay were too valuable an economic engine for Northern New Jersey to allow shipping to go elsewhere along the East Coast. With a new fleet on container ships about to arrive, Bayonne Bridge poses an obstacle and will either have to be replaced or raised."

Public Opposition Kills Proposed Truck Depot in Franklin Twp.

Public opposition killed the proposed truck depot in Franklin Twp. (Warren): "The surprise announcement blamed a host of factors, including the economy, the cost of upgrading the site’s electric service and the Bayonne Bridge’s height."

Bayonne Bridge

Bayonne Bridge from Bergen Point

In Port Today: Atlantic Compass

In port today: Atlantic Compass is a regular visitor | - SILive.com: "The Swedish-flagged containership Atlantic Compass, call sign SKUN, is a regular visitor to the Port of New York and New Jersey. She entered the Kill van Kull at about 6 a.m. this morning, inbound from Halifax, Nova Scotia and headed for Newark Bay."

Sunady Morning - March 7, 2010

The MSC Tanzania passes under the bridge. 

Region's Bigger Ports Set Out to Attract More Business

Region's bigger ports set out to attract more business, too | delawareonline.com | The News Journal: "At the Port of New York and New Jersey, which handles more than half the port traffic on the East Coast, the channels into the port are being dredged to 50 feet. The port is updating its road network and improving the rail system, and planning for future expansion, said Steve Coleman, a spokesman for the port there. In 2010 alone, the port is spending $130 million on all of the non-dredging upgrades, he said.

It still must contend with the nearby Bayonne Bridge, which limits the size of ships that can approach the port. The New Jersey state Assembly last month passed a resolution calling on the Port Authority to raise or replace the bridge."

Video: Assembly Members Discuss Bridge Legislation

Bayonne Bridge Videos & Clips | NJ.com: "In this video press release, Assembly members Albert Coutinho (D-Essex), Joan M. Quigley (D-Hudson) and John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) discuss legislation sponsored by Coutinho emphasizing the importance of addressing the Bayonne Bridge's low ship clearance."

Bridge "has got to go", says Assemblyman DeCroce

Party Cooperation Is Key to Recovery: "According to DeCroce, the Bayonne Bridge “has to go.”"

Largest Ship Ever to Clear the Bayonne Bridge

In port today: Northern Jasper, trading boxes at Port Newark, is the largest ship ever to clear the Bayonne Bridge | - SILive.com: "The containership Northern Jasper, call sign A8TA3, arrived at the Port Newark Container Terminal on Wednesday. Reader Joseph G. Becker says the ship, which is barely a year old,is the largest such vessel ever to traverse the Kill van Kull and pass under the Bayonne Bridge."

Assembly wants Port Authority to address Bayonne Bridge Height Issue

Assembly wants Port Authority to address Bayonne Bridge height issue | - NJ.com: "The state Assembly is urging the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to address the Bayonne Bridge's height problem."  The full text of the bill is available here.

Kantor Op-Ed: Turn to Bayonne MOT for Super Ships

Kantor: Turn to Bayonne MOT for super ships | - Hudson County Voices - NJ.com: "Bayonne residents are faced with a disaster that will affect their quality of life without the bureaucracy asking their opinion. I am referring to the possible raising of the Bayonne Bridge to allow giant container ships (1,048 feet long) to pass underneath it going to and from Newark Bay container ports."

Assembly Approves Resolution Calling For A Bayonne Bridge Fix

Assembly Approves Resolution Calling For A Bayonne Bridge Fix | njtoday.net – Everything New Jersey: "The state Assembly unanimously approved a resolution to emphasize the need to address the Bayonne Bridge’s low clearance and keep New Jersey’s port economy vibrant on Thursday."

Chiappone Casts Only Vote Against Raising Bridge

Bayonne Assemblyman Chiappone casts only vote against raising bridge - NJ.com: "The state Assembly passed a resolution yesterday urging the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to solve the Bayonne Bridge's height problem."

Bridge Legislation Tops Assembly’s Voting Session Agenda

Legislation to protect consumers, taxpayers and jobs top Assembly’s Thursday voting session agenda - The Paramus Post: "A Coutinho bill (AR-54) emphasizing the need to address the Bayonne Bridge’s low clearance and keep New Jersey’s port economy vibrant will also be considered."

Company Wins Awards for Recent Bridge Rehab

Modjeski and Masters - Bridge Engineering, Design Awards

Large Ships Call for Taller Bridges, Tight Squeezes

Large Ships Call for Taller Bridges, Tight Squeezes - An APL container ship squeezes under the Bayonne Bridge which crosses the Kill Van Kull channel to container terminals in the Port Newark-Elizabeth complex in New Jersey and New York Container Terminal on Staten Island. The Port Authority has identified the bridge as the number one issue effecting the port. The Bayonne Bridge stands just 151 ft. above the water.

N.J. Sen. Baroni Named to Port Authority Post

N.J. Sen. Bill Baroni is named to post at Port Authority of N.Y., N.J. | - NJ.com: "Besides rebuilding the World Trade Center, Baroni said, the Port Authority has other pressing concerns: Construction at Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports; expanding the Goethals Bridge, heavily used by people in Union and Middlesex counties; and raising the Bayonne Bridge from 151 feet to 215 to allow larger ships bringing billions of dollars of cargo from a widened Panama Canal."

Regional Bridge Projects

The Brooklyn Paper: You pick the new Kosciuszko Bridge design!: "Department of Transportation representatives publicly unveiled four design options for the long-awaited new Kosciuszko Bridge last night in Queens — and the road worriers want local input before settling on one."  One of the choices is, what the paper calls, "a Bayonne Bridge knockoff."

Chiappone Opposes Bridge Options

Hudson Reporter - Chiappone opposes proposed options for Bayonne Bridge: "Chiappone said larger ships can be and should be accomodated on the New York Bay side of Bayonne through either the expansion of the existing Port Jersey or through the use of part of the former Military Ocean Teminal. Chiappone emphasized that any study done regarding the Bayonne Bridge include an exploration of those options."

Bayonne Bridge height problem must be solved

Bayonne Bridge height problem must be solved, says Assembly committee - NJ.com: "A state Assembly committee has added its voice to the chorus urging the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to solve the Bayonne Bridge's height problem, which could make the span obsolete for new super-sized container ships in a few years."

N.J. looks at boost for Bayonne Bridge

N.J. looks at boost for Bayonne Bridge, once again | New Jersey Business - - NJ.com: "Not raising the base of the Bayonne bridge from its current clearance of 151 feet above the Kill Van Kull to 215 feet could lead to a loss of billions of dollars in cargo and at least 31,000 jobs."

NJ Assembly to Consider Bridge Clearance Issue

ASSEMBLY PANEL TO CONSIDER HOW BAYONNE BRIDGE CLEARANCE PROBLEM COULD HURT ECONOMY, COST JOBS | Politicker NJ: "The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee on Monday will hear testimony on how the Bayonne Bridge’s low clearance could mean significant job losses and severely hurt New Jersey’s economy."  Monday’s hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Committee Room 9 in the State House Annex in Trenton. It will be streamed live at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Requesting Proposals for Bayonne Bridge Professional Services : PaintSquare News

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Requesting Proposals for Bayonne Bridge Professional Services : PaintSquare News: "The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is requesting proposals from consultants for professional services related to rehabilitation of the Staten Island and New Jersey Viaducts on the Bayonne Bridge. The 8,275-foot-long steel arch bridge spans the Kill Van Kull to connect Staten Island, NY, and Bayonne, NJ. The contract includes evaluating existing conditions and designing specifications for steel repairs, lead abatement, and coatings application on the 2,900-foot-long New York Viaduct and the 3,700-foot-long New Jersey viaduct. The Port Authority will accept proposals for the contract until February 26th, 2010."

Regional Ports Locked In for Growth

Locked In for Growth | Journal of Commerce: "Right now, only Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., and Halifax, Nova Scotia, have the 50-foot-plus channel depth to accommodate the 12,500-TEU ships that will be able to transit the new locks. Baltimore has signed a deal with Ports America, which will take over operation of the Seagirt Container Terminal and dredge its depth to 50 feet by 2014. New York-New Jersey is dredging its channel to 50 feet, but the low air draft of the Bayonne Bridge will curtail access to the big terminals in New Jersey and Staten Island until the bridge can be raised or razed."

Photo from Tugster: a waterblog

Ship Passing Under Bridge

NY-NJ Port to Unveil Clean-Air Plan

NY-NJ Port to Unveil Clean-Air Plan | Journal of Commerce: Rick Larrabee "said the port authority expects by the end of the year to decide on the best way to deal with the Bayonne Bridge, whose 151-foot vertical clearance poses an obstacle for ships calling at container terminals at Port Newark-Elizabeth and on Staten Island."

"In addition to studying proposals to raise the bridge or replace it with a new bridge or tunnel, the port authority is exploring whether the existing span could be modified more quickly and cheaply with installation of a lift device that would raise the bridge's roadway to allow ships to pass underneath."

"Larrabee said all options are being studied, and that the port authority sees the bridge as its top issue. "An air draft of 215 feet is our goal and we want to get there as soon as we can," he said"

The Maher Terminal Overlooking the Bayonne Bridge

The Maher Terminal Overlooking the Bayonne Bridge: "the portainers of the Maher Terminal at the forefront and the APM Terminal (in blue) in the background underline the contradiction between modern terminal equipment and a bridge built close to 80 years ago. The indication, which is conveyed by the port community, is that the bridge 'needs a lift'."

Bayonne police receive funding for car radios, traffic safety education - NJ.com

Bayonne police receive funding for car radios, traffic safety education - NJ.com: "The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey provided a $33,000 grant to install 10 mobile radios into the Bayonne Police Department's radio cars, allowing police to communicate directly with Port Authority police and other agencies when patrolling the Bayonne Bridge."

Humor: Clearance Finally Improved at Bayonne Bridge

Clearance finally improved at Bayonne Bridge

Molinaro, Bayonne Mayor Discuss Bridge

Molinaro, Bayonne mayor discuss bridge, bus | Staten Island Politics - SILive.com: "Borough President Jim Molinaro met with Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith at Borough Hall recently, with both men saying that the Bayonne Bridge needs to be raised in order to keep cargo traffic moving through the area."

Infrmal Poll on SI Bridge Safety

Which bridge is the most dangerous to drive across?: "In your opinion, which bridge is the most dangerous to drive across?"

Mention of Bayonne Bridge in Canadian News

Expert: Don’t move container terminal - Nova Scotia News - TheChronicleHerald.ca: "The port authorities in New York are even talking about raising the Bayonne Bridge (connecting Staten Island and New Jersey) to make sure they can compete with places like Halifax that can handle the big ships without such a massive undertaking...."  Link: http://thebayonnebridgeblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/mention-of-bayonne-bridge-in-canadian.html.

Mayor Smith: No Preference on How s Height Problem Gets Solved

From NJ.com: "Bayonne mayor has no preference on how bridge's height problem gets solved"

Raise Bayonne Bridge, say Mayor Smith

Raise Bayonne Bridge, say Mayor Smith and Staten Island's borough president - NJ.com: "Bayonne Mayor Mark A. Smith and Staten Island's borough president agree that the Bayonne Bridge should be jacked up to allow sufficient clearance for new large container ships."

Travel Channel Show About Bridges

"Top Ten Bridges" - Zoom in for a closer look at the world's most unique, innovative, picturesque and technologically advanced bridges. Find out how these structures were designed and built, and how they fare in today's society."

Regional Leaders Pressing for Bayonne Bridge Solution

Sires, regional leaders pressing for Bayonne Bridge solution to protect jobs - NJ.com: "With the Bayonne Bridge too low to allow new super-sized cargo ships to reach Port Newark and Port Elizabeth, time is running out before the regional economy starts to suffer from lost shipping trade, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires said yesterday."

Baltimore, Ports America Finalize 50-Year Deal

Baltimore, Ports America Finalize 50-Year Deal | Journal of Commerce: "Baltimore port officials hope having 50-foot depth at the new berth will help the port attract calls by the larger ships that will transit the expanded canal. Norfolk also has 50 feet. New York-New Jersey is dredging its channels to 50 feet, but access to some of its terminals will remain limited by the vertical clearance under the Bayonne Bridge."

Book Review: The Irish Waterfront

All Along the Jersey Shore « The Irish Waterfront: "On the Irish Waterfront: The Crusader, the Movie, and the Soul of the Port of New York by James T. Fisher (Cornell University Press)"

Wave of Super-Sized Container Ships Set to Join Fleets...

From the January 11, 2010 Journal of Commerce: Shipping's Big Shadow discusses "the wave of super-sized container ships set to join fleets."

Does New Jersey have a business-friendly climate?

Political Exchange - NJBIZ.com: "We’re aggressively pursuing a solution to the Bayonne Bridge problem that will allow the new wave of super tankers to service our ports and make Port Elizabeth/Newark the epicenter of the export/import business." Raymond Lesniak (D-Union)

NJTPA: Port Authority Seeks Bayonne Bridge Clearance Solutions

NJ Transportation Planning Authority Newsletter - December 2009: "“With an air draft of just 151 feet, the Bayonne Bridge is a roadblock to commerce as the ships get larger and larger,” Bass Levin Said."  The minutes from the 10/19/09 meeting are located here.