New access ramp to the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge
The construction of a new access ramp to the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge represents a key intervention on an elevated infrastructure located in the median, between the northbound and southbound lanes of Harlem River Drive. The project contributes to a reduction in noise pollution and an improvement in air quality by incorporating a new elevated access that connects the bridge, in the northbound direction, with Harlem River Drive, a route that channels traffic towards the George Washington Bridge, the busiest interchange in the United States. The alignment, featuring a gentle slope and a length of 427 meters, helps to reduce travel times while diverting traffic away from urban streets.
A total of nine hammerhead piers were used in its construction as support elements for the deck along the 427-meter structure. Additionally, 680,000 kg of structural steel, 180,000 kg of stainless steel reinforcement, and 1,530 m³ of concrete were used for the execution of the connecting ramp.
The project, carried out by Judlau Contracting, OHLA’s New York-based subsidiary, was awarded the National Award of Merit by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) as part of the Team Awards Competition, which recognizes the best design-build projects and teams of 2021.