Daily News from New York, New York • 214

mum needs bridgeuorEi again already qdqdob msxsm By DEAN CHANQ KWI 111 I i Lf Daily News Stdtt Writer The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge's expansion joints, which stabilize the span during cold or windy weather, are popping out of place two years after being installed, authorities said yesterday. The problem, which is not seen as a danger to motorists, will require immediate attention, authorities conceded meaning lanes will have to be closed while the work is performed this spring. Rush-hour traffic was disrupted Friday, when work crews closed two northbound lanes from 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for emergency repairs.

Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority officials have hired a Manhattan consulting firm, Ammann and Whitney, to determine the scope of the problem. The joints were installed from December 1989 to December 1991, part of a $21.6 million overhaul of the 53-year-old bridge. The contractor, American Bridge Co. of Pittsburgh, used a concrete sealant to hold the joints in place, said TBTA officials. But the sealant, which should have lasted at least 10 years, showed signs of wear as early as last year.

"This is just another example of how bad things have deteriorated at the TBTA," said Peter Lukas, president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association. "Another example of them spending a lot of money and still continually having one problem after another," he said. TBTA officials said they did not know how much the repairs would cost. But agency officials said they would try to recover any costs through warranties issued by American Bridge or the project designers. Weidlinger Associates of Manhattan.

The joints are made of two layers of 3-inch-thick steel, separated by an inch of rubber fitting that lets the joints expand and contract. The joints are placed in the roadway, separating blocks of concrete pavement at regular intervals. Vi If managing your money is a headache, switch to ChemPlus. ChemPlus banking at Chemical can make you feel a whole lot better. That's because it's one of the best all-in-one banking packages you'll find anywhere.

And there no better time to become a ChemPlus customer than right now. Because when you open a new ChemPlus checking account Become a ChemPlus customer and get a $50 Savings Bond. ANNUAL STOREWIDE CLEARANCE SALE! with just S100, and combine it with either a savings. CD, IRA or money market account, you'll receive a S50 US. Savings Bond as our special bonus Keep in mind all the advantages of ChemPlus banking.

24-hour banking by phone that lets you transfer funds between accounts, verify deposits and see if checks have cleared. An ATM card good at over 5,000 locations to get cash in 'the tri-state area alone. One convenient monthly statement. Plus preferred rates on selected savings, loans and credit cards. To become a ChemPlus customer, just stop by your nearest Chemical branch or call: 1-800-CHEMBANK, ext.2001.

it nlirn Ill Til in nil 1. Zg----. IT aT H1 1 until! This special bonus will be reported as $25 interest to your savings account. Limit one bond per customer Personal accounts only, lb avoid monthly service, per-check charges or ATM fees, you must maintain combined account balances of S3.000. Loans and credit cards subject to credit approval.

1993 Chemical Bank. Member FDIC. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY LENDER For the hearing impaired, the TDD number is 1-800-46-ASSIST. 1 iHys I 13 Watch for the Chemical BankMillrose Games- a special track and field competition at Madison Square Garden, February 5, 1993. Chemical 2 RjUj 110 West 32nd St.

New Ycrlt, NY 10001 (212)790-1800.