Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of $204 Million Project to Rehabilitate a Section of the Bruckner Expressway and Six Connecting Ramps in the Bronx

 

Following Completion of Sheridan Boulevard and Start of Construction on Hunts Point, Project Furthers Governor's Commitment to "Building Back Better" in the Bronx

New LED Lighting Installed Along Half Mile Stretch; Innovative Construction Utilized to Minimize Need for Maintenance on Bridge Deck Joints

Project Completed On Time and On Budget

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of a $204 million project that rehabilitated a half-mile section of the Bruckner Expressway and six connecting ramps between East 141st Street and 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.

The completion of the project also builds on the Governor's continued commitment to "building back better" in the Bronx, starting with the $75 million rehabilitation of the Sheridan Expressway from an interstate highway to a pedestrian-friendly boulevard, as well as the ongoing $1.7 billion project that will eventually provide direct access to the Hunts Point Market from both the Bruckner Expressway and the new Sheridan Boulevard.

"We have 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," Governor Cuomo said.  "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."

Nearly 70 percent 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.  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).