Cross Bronx Webster Ave

This project included the rehabilitation of Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE) Viaduct over Webster Avenue, 3rd Avenue, and Metro-North Railroad, and the construction of a Connector Road system. The rehabilitation of the CBE Viaduct included the complete replacement of the concrete deck, repair of the concrete substructure, and repair/replacement of any deteriorated elements, as well as eliminating joints where feasible to assure continued safe operations. The project also included the widening of the Viaduct to allow for the implementation of the CBE multi-modal Connector Road system, which included, in each direction, a bus priority lane, a shared-use path, and a general-purpose lane. The project was located in a highly congested urban setting within a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood. As part of the NYSDOT’s overall Cross Bronx Expressway (I-95) improvement program, the project aimed to improve mobility, connectivity, redundancy, and reliability of this important transportation corridor for all travel modes; correct non-standard features and geometric deficiencies to eliminate high accident locations; and provide infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of this area of the Bronx for ongoing and future growth and expansion.

SJH performed field investigations of the existing bicycle and Shared-Use Path (SUP) network within the project limits to confirm changes beyond the published NYCDOT 2023 NYC Bike Map. SJH engineers took photographs of the existing condition for record and inventory purposes and prepared an updated bicycle and SUP network sketch. As part of the investigation, SJH engineers also recorded the existing sidewalk grades to confirm ADA compliance. SJH performed a conceptual study of the proposed Ittner Place and Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road overpasses over Metro-North Railroad as part of Alternative No. 5. SJH prepared conceptual roadway horizontal alignment and vertical profiles using Bentley OpenRoads. Two alternatives were prepared at Ittner Place and Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road as part of the Preliminary Design screening process. SJH evaluated railroad vertical clearances and impacts to ROW and adjacent private properties. To meet the 16ft minimum railroad vertical clearance, it was found that a significant raise of roadway grade using a maximum 7.5% profile slope was required. As a result, to meet ADA and PROWAG requirements, ramps and landings would have been required on the sidewalks. A preferred alternative was chosen at each Ittner Place and Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road, and profiles were developed for the cross streets at Park Avenue West and Park Avenue East. SJH performed a similar evaluation of the impact as a result of the raised intersection.

As part of the Preliminary Design, SJH participated in the field inspection of the existing Cross Bronx Expressway viaduct to provide more details on the structure rehabilitation needs.