An A320 Captain reported a crane adjacent to the final approach to Runway 31 at LGA is a hazard to aircraft which overshoot the turn to final when flying the Expressway Visual approach. Although the crane is referenced within FDC departure and approach NOTAMs the reporter believed a separate obstacle NOTAM is necessary.

Narrative

On short final; saw [a] flagged crane to the north and along side of the final approach to Runway 31. [The] crane was at or above the low visual (VASI red-red-white) glidepath to Runway 31. [The] crane appeared dangerously close to final approach course. We were finishing the Expressway Visual to Runway 31. The left turn from over the expressway to final approach keeps the airplane in a position such that the crane is not visible until rolling wings-level on very short final. When I did see the crane it was apparent to me that any overshoot of the final approach path to Runway 31 could put an airplane in jeopardy. Cranes affecting approaches to KLGA and specifically Runway 31 are referenced in the current NOTAM list for KLGA. However; all references to these obstructions are suffixes to NOTAM describing changes to approach minimums for approaches to that runway used in IMC conditions. There is no separate NOTAM for the Expressway Visual 31 (our approach today) or a separate NOTAM describing the crane as a simple obstruction. Given the fact that the crane is so close to the final approach and intrudes up into the glidepath; I believe there should be a stand-alone NOTAM not associated with a terminal procedure highlighting the danger. Also; I think it would be advisable while using this runway to have the Local Controller remind approaching aircraft of its proximity to the final when clearing the aircraft to land.