2013-dot-sustainable-streets-lowres

INFRASTRUCTUREWILLIS AVENUE BRIDGE145TH STREET BRIDGEIn 2011, NYCDOT completelyreplaced the Willis Ave Bridge,which connects East 124th Streetin Manhattan to Willis Avenuein the Bronx, as part of a $612project. The 350 foot swing spanof the new bridge, which opens ona pivot to let marine traffic pass,was constructed in Coeymans,New York, and travelled by barge toits Harlem River home. The span’s135–nautical mile journey downthe Hudson River, through NewYork Bay, and up the East Riverincluded passage underneath14 bridges.The new bridge features adirect connection from the FDRto the northbound Major DeeganExpressway in the Bronx. It haswider lanes than the old bridge,and a combined pedestrian/bicycle pathway along its northside. The project is ongoing, asDOT completes reconstructionwork on surrounding ramps andapproaches.Willis Avenue BridgeAs part of $70 million project,the bridge was entirely closedto traffic in November 2006and the center swing span wasremoved. In February 2007,when the preparatory work wascomplete, the new 145th StreetBridge was floated up the HarlemRiver to its final destination. Thereconstructed bridge includes anew swing span, new machineryand electrical system, a newapproach roadway and spans,railing, fencing, lighting, andsignals. A new Operator’s Househas been centered and installed.145th Street BridgeSustainable Streets: 2013 and Beyond177