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Lane Construction, in a joint-venture partnership with Schiavone Construction Co., LLC, is constructing a $232 million project to completely replace the Unionport Bridge which carries between 50,000-60,000 vehicles per day on the Bruckner Expressway Service Road over Westchester Creek in the Unionport/Castle Hill/Throgs Neck sections of the Bronx.

2
Temporary Hydraulic Lift Bridges to Keep Bridge Open During Construction
75
year service life
50,000-60,000
Vehicles per Day

Overview

This bridge, a relatively small but critical traffic connection, serves as not only an important local arterial and bus route, but also the only link between the Bruckner Expressway and Cross Bronx Expressway to the Hutchinson River Parkway and destinations north. The confined and challenging site is surrounded by the elevated Cross Bronx Bruckner Interchange.

The main bridge span is a “bascule” drawbridge that opens for navigation along the commercial waterway to accommodate critical oil deliveries and recreational boaters. The 65-year-old bridge, opened in 1953, is severely deteriorated from heavy traffic and its age. Historically, the bridge could not be taken out of service for any major repair due to its critical transportation function and has been forced to remain in continuous service.

The construction of the bridge must be carried out in 10 stages, and has a 48-month duration. The main construction challenge is keeping the busy waterway navigable and critical arterial route open while replacing the entire bridge. The plan to accomplish this difficult task includes constructing two temporary bridges to maintain vehicle traffic, erecting the final bascule span in an open position, and accomplishing all work in the navigation channel within a critical time frame.

Technical Highlights

The project includes:

  • a temporary and new control building
  • cofferdam construction
  • new large diameter drilled shafts, micro piles, and temporary structures
  • new power feeds and mechanical systems
  • demolition of the existing bridge and facilities
  • Installation/ replacement of utilities, water main, and drainage structures
  • New grades and roadway construction