New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09216

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
2/17/26  

Caption

Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will lead to systematic assessments of key bridges across New York. The studies will culminate in comprehensive reports detailing each bridge's structural condition, expected vessel traffic, and any necessary recommendations for improvements. Subsequently, these findings will be shared with the governor and legislative leaders, fostering vigilant oversight over transportation infrastructure. This reporting process is designed to ensure the safety of the public and the integrity of the structures involved, potentially influencing future funding and maintenance priorities.

Summary

Bill S09216 aims to enhance transportation safety in New York by requiring a thorough study of certain bridges that span bodies of water connected to deep water ports. The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation and various public authorities evaluate the structural integrity of these bridges, specifically regarding their ability to withstand impacts from large vessels, including cargo ships and oil tankers. This proactive approach arises from concerns about the safety of bridge structures in the context of increasing maritime traffic and larger vessels navigating state waterways.

Contention

While there appears to be widespread support for the bill given the importance of bridge safety, some stakeholders may express concerns about the financial and logistical implications of these required studies. The costs associated with conducting thorough inspections and potential renovations could be contentious, leading to discussions about budget allocations among transportation departments and authorities. Additionally, the bill includes a clause for repeal in 2028, which may spur debates on the longevity and efficacy of the studies' findings in relation to legislative priorities and evolving transportation needs.

Companion Bills

NY A05024

Same As Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

Previously Filed As

NY A05024

Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY A08309

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

NY A04821

Directs the New York state bridge authority to provide a report by July 1, 2027, outlining their efforts and progress on decreasing and deterring suicide attempts on authority bridges.

NY A09070

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

NY S05178

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

NY S08079

Directs the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority to implement a toll discount plan for residents of Orange, Rockland, Dutchess and Putnam counties who commute to work in the city of New York while the central business district tolling program is in effect; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY S05666

Directs the department of health to conduct a study on opening three new veterans nursing homes in New York state; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

NY A09030

Directs the New York state energy resource and development authority, in collaboration with the New York state thruway authority, the department of transportation, and the New York power authority, to conduct a feasibility study on installing solar panels and other renewable energy systems along state highways and to submit a report relating thereto.

NY SB00519

An Act Amending A Prior Conveyance Of State Land To The Bridgeport Port Authority.

NY A09236

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority and the New York city transit authority to rename the 79th Street subway station to the 79th Street - Saul Zabar station; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.