Aecom to lead ‘resilient design’ on £401.1M dual bridge replacement in New York | New Civil Engineer

The consultancy was selected for the work by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as part of the Yonkers Contracting Company-Aecom design-build team.

The project aims to replace both bridges, built in 1951 and nearing the end of their service lives, with modern structures to enhance safety and improve resiliency and traffic flow between East Tremont Avenue and Bronx Park.

This section of road is described as a “vital” link serving tens of thousands of daily commuters.

Announcing the scheme in June, New York governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the scheme had been costed at $517.5M (£401.1M). The contract is supported in part by over $200M (£155M) in funding provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021.

As lead designer, Aecom will provide design and engineering services to support the replacement and widening of the Bronx River Parkway South and Northbound bridges over East Tremont Avenue, East 180th Street, Morris Park Avenue and the NYC Transit Authority’s 180^th Street Rail Yard.

The scheme will also feature a new shared-use path connecting cyclists and pedestrians to the Bronx River Greenway, along with a dedicated southbound exit ramp to East 177th Street aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. These new bridges will feature steel girders, stainless-steel reinforced concrete decks, concrete piers, fewer bridge joints, and other measures to reduce long-term maintenance costs and strengthen resilience against the effects of climate change and severe weather.

The project will also see new stormwater drainage facilities and updated curbs installed along with ramps, and sidewalks to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Morris Park Avenue from East 180th Street to Melville Street will be resurfaced, along with sections of the Bronx River Parkway next to and between the bridges undergoing replacement.

Aecom’s global transportation business chief executive Mark Southwell said: “The Bronx River Parkway bridge replacement project will serve a crucial role in meeting 21^st century infrastructure demands and improving connections across boroughs.

“Our leading expertise in high performance, urban bridge projects across the globe positions us well to support NYSDOT’s ongoing commitment to create a more resilient transportation network that connects communities, protects the environment and supports the economic well-being of New York State.”

Aecom’s US East and Latin America region chief executive Bane Gaiser said: “As NYSDOT modernises critical roadway infrastructure, we’re proud to support it with deep expertise in resilient design and state-of-the-art BIM modelling technologies to help ensure a timely delivery and lasting local benefits.

“Our multi-decade track record of success with NYSDOT includes key highway improvements across New York City and encompasses some of the nation’s most impressive design-build projects, such as the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge—one of the largest bridge projects in New York state history.

Aecom’s New York Metro Highway-Bridge market sector leader Wahid Albert said: “We look forward to utilising our vast transportation resources in New York including our award-winning bridge design expertise to help deliver these complex new structures.

“To address highly difficult construction and traffic maintenance requirements, our team has developed innovative design solutions that will result in providing safe, efficient, and durable structures for the 21^st century.”

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