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The hole in the Fire Island Inlet Bridge along the Robert Moses Causeway that set off alarm bells across Long Island after video footage of it went locally viral was caused by erosion damage linked to recent severe weather events, according to a state Department of Transportation spokesman.
“On Thursday, the New York State Department of Transportation responded to a report of erosion damage to a portion of the Fire Island Inlet Bridge deck, which was likely caused by recent severe weather and the repeated freeze-thaw cycle,” said Stephen Canzoneri of the state DOT. “Upon further inspection, NYSDOT maintenance crews and contractors determined the extent of the damage was limited.”
Crews then began patching the damaged section of the bridge deck, along with another nearby pothole, he added.
Canzoneri’s comments came in response to demands from two state assemblymen who on Tuesday called on the DOT to move up the bridge’s full rehabilitation project. The work is currently scheduled to begin in fall 2027 and wrap up in spring 2028, according to a joint press release.
The renewed push followed the bridge-hole footage that circulated online last week, Greater Long Island previously reported.
“Steel plates were secured over that section of the bridge deck and another nearby pothole, allowing the roadway to be re-opened pending further repairs when conditions permit,” Canzoneri said, assuring safe passage for motorists.
Despite the public attention and political pressure, the DOT is not changing its planned timeline for the span.
“The bridge remains safe for travel and NYSDOT, as always, will continue to monitor conditions on the span. A previously planned rehabilitation of the Fire Island Inlet Bridge is expected to begin in 2027,” Canzoneri said.
Prior reporting
Top: Robert Moses Causeway’s Fire Island Inlet Bridge. (Credit: GLI file photo)
