H&H provided engineering services for both phases of replacing the Kosciuszko Bridge, which recently celebrated a second and final grand opening celebration, years earlier than planned. The new bridge is a two-span cable-stayed structure that is 1.1-miles-long and carries 160,000 vehicles per day over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278).
The project’s overall scope was to replace the existing, deteriorated bridge in two phases: phase one, the Queens-bound span, and phase two, the Brooklyn-bound span. The first span (Queens-bound) opened in 2017 and carried three lanes of traffic in each direction. The second span opened in August 2019, added five Brooklyn-bound lanes allowing the first span to be dedicated solely to Queens-bound traffic.
The Queens-bound span was procured using design-build project delivery methods. H&H was responsible for developing five bridge replacement alternatives, and conceptual staged construction schemes to facilitate impact evaluation, including air, noise, hazardous waste, cultural, and land use impact. Preliminary cost estimates were also prepared for alternative assessment. During preliminary design, H&H developed the Structure Justification Report (SJR), evaluating various structure types, including a cable-stay with steel superstructure, steel tied arch, steel box girders, concrete deck arch, and concrete segmental box over Newtown Creek.
H&H developed structural and fill alternatives for the Brooklyn and Queens connectors. Preliminary design also included proposed at-grade and elevated structures and the stormwater drainage system to obtain NYCDEP and NYSDEC approval included as part of the DB bid document. Utility coordination was performed to outline the potential impact locations and to obtain consensus on the utility relocation. Subsequently, master utility relocation plans were developed for the entire project.
H&H also served as the Owner’s Engineer responsible for performing the over-the-shoulder review for the Brooklyn and Queens connector bridges and retaining walls, drainage and utility relocation, and the fire standpipe system for the elevated structures.
The Brooklyn-bound span was procured using design-bid-build project delivery methods. H&H was responsible for the final design and construction support services for the Queens connector bridges, retaining walls, at-grade and structure drainage design, utility coordination, and the fire standpipe system’s design for the westbound main span and the approach structures.
News Coverage
Kosciuszko Bridge will unveil Brooklyn-bound lanes this week
Kosciuszko Bridge to debut with NYC-themed light and sound show
Cuomo unveils new Kosciuszko Bridge, announces new park beneath massive structure
Photo Credit: Edgar O. Irizarry
Project Accolades
