NEW YORK CITY—Skanska has signed a contract with the New York State Dept. of Transportation to design and build the new Kosciuszko Bridge. The total project value is $555 million; Skanska will include its 45% share of the project value—about $250 million—in order bookings for Skanska USA Civil for the second quarter.
In a Skanska-led venture with Kiewit and ECCO III Enterprises, Skanska will design and build new eastbound structures for the Kosciuszko Bridge to carry the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway between Morgan Avenue in Brooklyn and the Long Island Expressway Interchange in Queens. Skanska also will perform the demolition of the existing bridge structures and buildings on acquired properties to clear the right-of-way for construction activities.
The project also includes the reconstruction and realignment of local at-grade streets impacted by new construction or demolition activities; relocation of existing utilities from impacted local streets; and construction of a new drainage system and sewer facilities to collect and discharge storm water runoff from the new bridge structure.
“Replacing the Kosciuszko Bridge with a new span designed to last for the next 100 years means providing a stronger and more resilient transportation network for commuters throughout the New York City area for generations to come,” says Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Utilizing design-build will upgrade our vital infrastructure in a way that expedites the overall project and saves taxpayer dollars.
The 1.1 mile eastbound viaduct is being completely replaced, with the new span being built alongside the current bridge. The portion over water will be a cable-stayed design. The new bridge will improve safety and reduce congestion through wider driving lanes, the addition of auxiliary lanes and shoulders, and a reduced grade which will make it easier for trucks to stay up to speed. Streetscape enhancements will be made in the areas surrounding the new bridge, including new trees and decorative lighting. Other enhancements to the community include new parks and open spaces, and improved access to the waterfront.
Construction will begin later this summer with demolition of buildings to make room for the new bridge and pile driving for the bridge foundations. Construction on the foundations is expected to begin in the fall and continue through 2015, with the bulk of the new eastbound bridge being built in 2016 and demolition of the existing eastbound structure in 2017. All work is expected to be completed in early 2018. A new westbound viaduct will be built as part of a future project
Says Brooklyn Borough president Eric L. Adams, "In order to build One Brooklyn that works for everyone, we must start by rebuilding and repairing our infrastructure, the foundation of our borough. The Kosciuszko Bridge is a major thoroughfare that, when replaced, will result in a safer, smoother and faster commute for hundreds of thousands of commuters every day.”
Funding for the project comes partially from the NYSDOT Capital Program, with $460 million from Governor Cuomo's NY Works program, which is designed to create tens of thousands of jobs by coordinating comprehensive capital plans, overseeing all investment in infrastructure projects, and accelerating hundreds of critical projects across the state.
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Rayna Katz
Rayna Katz is a seasoned business journalist whose extensive experience includes coverage of the lodging sector, travel and the culinary space. She was most recently content director for a business-to-business publisher, overseeing four publications. While at Meeting News, a travel trade publication, she received a Best Reporting award for a story on meeting cancellations in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
