Traffic on the Verrazano Bridge heading into the borough is expected to increase as crews begin installing cashless tolls. NY1's Thabie Sibanda has that story.
Elected officials say to expect traffic headaches on the Verrazano Bridge’s upper deck. Construction is underway for a new cashless toll system for people driving onto Staten Island. Some drivers can't wait for it to get here.
"The cashless tolls...they're fast. You know…you stay at the speed limit. You go through," said driver Rhodesia Rodney.
NY1 drove in the traffic Tuesday. During the one o'clock hour it took about 12 minutes to get over the bridge. That’s about twice as long as it normally does.
"Anytime there's any lane change or configurations people react badly to it so we're trying to get the word out,” said Borough President James Oddo.
Oddo says it might be a good idea for drivers to use the lower deck. Construction will impact the left two lanes on the upper deck as you're coming onto Staten Island, leaving just one lane open for a section of the bridge.
Some tolls booths are also closed as crews construct the gantries---- the devices that will read the easy passes and license plates.
"I know for some like it's never ending. This is just another added project that will make the commute harder for the short time. But let's just get everybody aware," said Oddo.
Some are taking the inconvenience in stride, with high hopes for the future.
"I say the inconvenience is worth it if a lot later it's going to be better," said driver Frank Concerto.
Oddo says the construction project will happen in phases and run through June, when cashless tolling for the Verrazano is expected to begin.