H&H provided design and construction support services for this $62 million project for NYCDOT. The project was highly complex, with the combined constraints of a dense urban location, varying site conditions, and a myriad of stakeholder permits and approvals (FHWA, NYSDOT, NYCDPR, NYCDEP, USCG, USACE, NYSDEC, and NPS) required. All modes of interfacing traffic needed to be maintained throughout construction, including vehicular traffic on numerous roadways and pedestrian/bicycle shared-use paths. The project was part of a $380 million program that included the complete replacement of 2.12 miles of the heavily traveled Belt Parkway corridor and ramps, as well as the complete replacement of the three Belt Parkway bridges.
Context-sensitive features included Art Deco bridge barrier details reminiscent of the original ones, installation of timber guide railing system at approaches and bike paths, and repurposing of granite masonry wingwalls. The local communities were supportive of this major undertaking since the benefits of the upgraded bridge are numerous, and traffic impacts have been minimal during construction.
The project benefits include substantially improved highway geometry and correction of structural deficiencies, resulting in enhanced highway safety and operations. Substantial completion was reached 428 days ahead of schedule.
