A $124m rehabilitation project has been completed on the Van Wyck Expressway's viaduct in Queens, New York, US. 

The initiative focused on a section of Interstate 678, between 57th Avenue and the Long Island Rail Road.  

The renovation project began in late 2020. 

It aims to bolster safety and resilience on what is said to be one of the region's most heavily congested routes. 

New York congressperson Grace Meng said: “The Van Wyck Expressway is a crucial artery in my district serving many Queens residents.  

“The completion of this project will enhance travel and improve safety and resiliency for this heavy travelled highway, and I’m thrilled that federal funding, especially money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, made these renovations possible.” 

Originally constructed in the early 1960s, the viaduct is said to have shown signs of wear and tear.  

The refurbishment involved the replacement of a 2,200ft stretch of concrete deck and the repair or reconstruction of other components such as structural steel, deck joints, and concrete piers. 

To further enhance the viaduct's durability and ride quality, localised deck repairs were carried out north of the main project area, with defective concrete being replaced with polyester polymer concrete.  

New York governor Kathy Hochul said: “The modernisation of this important segment of infrastructure will enhance the travelling experience for all motorists and improve traffic flow.

"The refurbishment of the parking lot below the viaduct will also improve access to some of the biggest attractions in Queens, which will spur tourism and further boost the local economy.” 

As part of the project, the car park beneath the viaduct and Flushing Meadows Corona Park also received refurbishment.

The car park, with a capacity for 565 vehicles, is claimed to be frequented by visitors to the US Tennis Association's Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Citi Field. 

It was milled and resurfaced, and now features new pavement markings and concrete parking kerbs.