Van Wyck Expressway

This $804M design-build project involves constructing one (1) additional travel lane in each direction of the Van Wyck Expressway between Kew Gardens Interchange and JFK Airport, reconstructing and relocating exit and entrance ramps within project limits and constructing/reconstructing nine (9) bridges to accommodate the mainline widening. SJH was responsible for the design of the following:

• Four (4) bridges
• VWE NB and SB over North Federal Circle (BIN 5522079) – Widening
• VWE SB over SB Main Street (BIN 1076449) – Widening
• 86th Avenue Pedestrian Bridge over VWE (BIN 1055720) – Reconstruction
• Nassau Expressway (NEN2) over VWE SB (BIN 1075720) – Replacement
• Forty-four (44) overhead sign structures including twenty-four (24) span-type, twenty (20) cantilever sign structures plus nineteen (19) bridge-mounted signs
• Permanent and temporary street lighting project wide

SJH’s bridge designs follow RFP requirements and AASHTO LRFD methodology. Extensive analysis was required at North Federal Circle and Main Street bridges to confirm if the existing bearings could handle thermal movement of the widened deck, or if replacement would be required. The pedestrian bridge reconstruction involved design for relocation of a pier. The NEN2 bridge features semi-integral abutment design. All bridges are modeled and analyzed in CSiBridge. Design details follow NYSDOT guidelines and standards.

Many of the sign structures are non-standard structures requiring structural modeling and analysis using STAADPro. Due to geometry constraints, special details were developed for the pedestal above the drilled shafts to accommodate the median barrier transitions.

Street lighting design involves extensive coordination with NYCDOT-Division of Street Lighting. The temporary lighting design is being coordinated extensively with the contractor as it needs to follow their construction staging. In addition to lighting, SJH’s effort involves the design of new control cabinets, junction boxes, conduits and wiring. Lighting calculations are performed using AGi32 and in compliance with NYCDOT standards.

We are developing design packages for Definitive Design, Interim Design, Final Design, and Released for Construction. SJH is coordinating design efforts with Civil, Geotechnical and Utilities/ITS disciplines on an aggressive timeframe to meet the contractor’s schedule.