The Unionport Bridge carries 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. This bridge, a relatively small but critical traffic connection, serves as an important local arterial and bus route and provides the only link between the Bruckner Expressway and Cross Bronx Expressway to the Hutchinson River Parkway and points north. The elevated Cross Bronx Bruckner Interchange surrounds the confined and challenging site. The main span is a drawbridge that opens for navigation along the commercial waterway to facilitate critical deliveries to a busy fuel oil depot at the head of Westchester Creek. The 65-year-old bridge is in poor condition due to 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 remains in continuous service.
As the prime consultant, H&H leads this locally administered federal aid project through the study phase, design, and construction phase services. NYSDOT/FHWA design approval was obtained in addition to the completion of CEQR.
The new bridge will eliminate structural and operational deficiencies of the existing bridge and provide an additional lane as well as a bikeway and sidewalk, and the twin bascule spans will simplify future maintenance. It will be constructed without adversely impacting traffic and will provide a 75-year service life.