Floating bridge could be L train alternative

<p>An online proposal for a floating bridge between Manhattan and Williamsburg claims to be the solution during the fast-approaching L train shutdown.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Feb 20, 2018, 12:13 PM

Updated 2,255 days ago

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An online proposal for a floating bridge between Manhattan and Williamsburg claims to be the solution during the fast-approaching L train shutdown.
A Kickstarter campaign called the 'L-Ternative Bridge' is the brain child of a man named Parker Shinn who lives in San Francisco, but previously lived near the 3rd Avenue station in New York City and experienced many issues with the train.
Parker says pontoon bridges have been used for over 1,000 years and are the most rapid and affordable way to build a bridge over a large body of water.
He illustrates his point with a video of what the bridge would look like and also includes images of other pontoon bridges used in China.
Parker claims it would take about 1 minute and 30 seconds while traveling 30 mph to travel from the Bedford Avenue station in Williamsburg to the  Manhattan shoreline. 
The bridge would be anchored by 37 barges, over 3,000 feet and elevated high enough for small boats to travel under.
A 240-foot drawbridge would also make up the center of the span which could open for larger boats to pass through.
Parker estimates the cost of building would be around $38 million.
The campaign has received roughly $3,000 of its $50,000 goal.
The MTA has not commented on the proposal. 


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