Client
New York State Department of Transportation
Location
Queens, NY
Markets
Highways, Bridges & Civil Infrastructure: Fixed Bridges
Rail Transportation: Line Segments & Tunnels
Services
Program/Construction Management Services: REI/CEI
Long Island Rail Road Bridge Replacement Over the Van Wyck Expressway
STV has been contracted by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) to perform resident engineering inspection services for the demolition and replacement of a steel rail bridge owned by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) over the heavily traveled Van Wyck Expressway. This contract is part of a larger program that aims to improve accessibility on the Van Wyck, ultimately adding a high-occupancy vehicle lane connecting to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Since the existing structure currently carries live power cables, a temporary utility bridge is being constructed to maintain these cables during demolition. New bridge abutments, a new center pier, and superstructure will be part of the replacement. The new bridge will be supported on cast-in-place concrete piles.
A significant challenge for this contract is coordinating between the NYSDOT and the LIRR so that construction operations comply with the railroad’s requirements. Other challenges include working in a busy, confined area, and maintaining a schedule that calls for completing all work in less than a year.