New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the completion of a US $204m project to rehabilitate a half-mile section of the Bruckner Expressway and six connecting ramps between East 141st Street; the interchange with the Major Deegan Expressway and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in the Bronx, prolonging the service life of the viaduct and reducing the need for future maintenance projects. The project was completed on time and on budget.
Rehabilitation works
Nearly 70% of the bridges’ deck piers were eliminated with the use of innovative technology “link slabs” made of high-performance concrete, significantly reducing rainwater leaking through the deck and protecting the bridge piers. This in turn reduces maintenance costs and will prolong the life of the viaduct. The project also included replacing bridge decks, repairing concrete piers and steel girders, and replacing all bearings and pedestals.
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Barriers, railings and drainage structures were replaced, and new roadway lane striping was added. New LED lighting was also installed along the expressway, on the ramps and at intersections below the expressway at 138th, 140th and 141st Streets to enhance safety and visibility for pedestrians and motorists.
In addition to the work on the Bruckner mainline, the following six ramps were improved as a result of this project:
- Ramp from the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to the northbound Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)
- Ramp from the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to the eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278)
- Ramp from the westbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) to the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge
- Ramp from the westbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278) to the northbound Major Deegan Expressway (I-87)
- Ramp from the southbound Major Deegan Expressway (I-87) to the eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278)
- Ramp from eastbound Bruckner Boulevard at East 138th Street to the eastbound Bruckner Expressway (I-278).
According to the Governor, his administration has made record investments to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Bronx and these new improvements will boost travel and commerce, while increasing the long-term sustainability of this critical roadway. “Coupled with other transformational projects across the borough, the rehabilitated Bruckner Expressway continues our unprecedented efforts to build back better for the Bronx and for all New Yorkers,” he added.
