Repairs underway to fix hole in Fire Island Inlet Bridge
Work starts two months after News 12 first reported on the significant damage that left a hole in the concrete exposion the rebar.
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Work is now underway to repair a hole in the deck of the Fire Island Inlet Bridge, a problem that drew widespread concern from drivers after it was first reported two months ago.
The bridge, which connects to Robert Moses State Park, is a heavily traveled route — one reason the sight of a gaping hole in the roadway alarmed many.
Residents who rely on the bridge daily say the repairs are overdue. “That bridge is heavily used by so many people every day,” said Danielle Ferraro of West Islip. “So I’m glad they’re doing something now.”
The New York State Department of Transportation had previously said the bridge remained safe to use and that a steel plate was be installed as a temporary measure. The agency also announced plans for a larger rehabilitation project scheduled for 2027.
Crews are now working both above and below the roadway to complete the immediate fix, a process expected to take about a week. At the same time, engineers are conducting the bridge’s annual inspection — a critical step in determining the scope of the long-term overhaul of the 62‑year‑old structure.
Earlier this year, two state assemblymembers urged the DOT to move up the timeline for the full rehabilitation, citing concerns about the bridge’s aging condition. But DOT officials say the inspection must be completed before any decisions are made.
“We’re going to be taking all the information we’re learning from the inspection to formulate a plan for a rehabilitation project,” said Stephen Canzoneri, a spokesperson for the department.
Inspection reports dating back to 2020 have documented exposed rebar, cracked concrete, and rusting steel — issues that underscore the need for significant repairs.
The upcoming rehabilitation project, expected to begin next year, is estimated to cost between $5 million and $15 million.
