RFK Bridge Ramp to the Northbound Harlem River Drive

This project called for the design and construction of a gently graded, 1,400-foot-long steel and concrete ramp that connects the RFK Bridge to the Northbound Harlem River Drive in East Harlem. The fixed bridge is shoehorned between the northbound and southbound lanes of the Harlem River Drive, a popular route that filters vehicles to the George Washington Bridge, America’s busiest crossing.

The scope of work for this $48 million contract included the installation of micropiles for the deep foundation that was built in a tight, constrictive area with complicated soil and rock makeup. The team then performed excavation in areas surrounding the micropiles with exacting precision so not to disturb the foundation elements. Next, pouring of concrete for the column bases took place, followed by the building of rebar cages and formwork to pour the cast-in-place concrete pier caps and columns. Installation of hundreds of pieces of steel, some pieces as long as 125 feet, were installed over eight continuous weeknights. Workers then installed metal deck pans and overhang brackets over steel joists on either side of the ramp and poured concrete atop the metal decking. Carpenters built the remainder of the required wooden forms for protective concrete parapets that run the entire ramp length, which was the final major element of the project’s concrete work. Detailed architectural finishes and advanced state-of-the-art electrical systems for lighting and dry fire standpipe were also part of the work scope. Additionally, the contract called for associated drainage, roadway signage, pavement markings, and maintenance and protection of traffic.

As a result of the team’s ability to maximize the benefits of design-build, the project, which was delivered 50 days ahead of schedule, was recognized as a National Award of Merit Award Winner by the Design-Build Institute of America in their prestigious annual awards competition.