Major reconstruction of three bridges in New York, US, at the Long Island Expressway (LIE) / Grand Central Parkway Interchange has been completed.

The project work, which began in 2015, also included highway improvements on the LIE between the GCP and College Point Boulevard in Queens.

Traffic at this interchange has now moved to its final configuration, with remaining minor works expected to be completed soon.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “These vital improvements will help ease congestion at this busy interchange for motorists while offering those travelling to LaGuardia and JFK a smoother commute.

“By modernising and strengthening Queens’ transportation infrastructure, we help to meet the demands of the 21st century traveller while spurring economic growth for the entire Empire State.”

Around 350,000 vehicles are estimated to pass through this critical interchange every day.

“These vital improvements will help ease congestion at this busy interchange for motorists while offering those travelling to LaGuardia and JFK a smoother commute.”

The project included the reconstruction of the LIE mainline over the GCP, including the eastbound and westbound LIE service roads over the GCP.

In addition to replacing the decks and steel structures, the three bridges were widened to create shoulders.

Furthermore, the entrance lane from the Van Wyck Expressway to the westbound LIE mainline was extended to improve traffic movement in the westbound direction.

Lighting upgrades, installation of additional drainage structures and modernisation of the Intelligent Transportation System to manage traffic were also part of the project.

The project was stated to cause minimum traffic disruption as three travel lanes in each direction remained open throughout the construction period.

The remaining project work includes the installation of concrete barrier sections and new pavement markings on the LIE mainline and service roads, as well as pavement restoration and roadway resurfacing works.