The Borden Avenue Bridge over Dutch Kills is one of New York City’s rare retractile‑type movable bridges, located between the Queens Midtown Tunnel and the Long Island Expressway. Nearly a century after its opening, severe structural movement – including rotation of the west abutment and southwest wing wall – caused the bridge to stop closing properly. A rapidly widening crack triggered an emergency closure to protect public safety, cutting off a critical east‑west connection in Long Island City.
What challenges did STV address?
STV was tasked with delivering a fast‑track reconstruction under emergency conditions, requiring rapid investigation, design development and continuous coordination with regulatory agencies. Unforeseen subsurface and structural conditions demanded site‑specific solutions, all while preparing designs that would restore traffic as quickly and safely as possible on an aging movable bridge.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV prepared an emergency final design to reconstruct the west abutment and wing walls, incorporating strategies tailored to the complex, shifting site conditions. The project also included full replacement of the west approach roadway and sidewalks, deck replacement and repairs to key steel members of the movable span. STV secured necessary construction permits and coordinated with city and agency stakeholders to accelerate delivery and prevent prolonged disruptions.
How does this project benefit the region?
The emergency reconstruction restored safe, reliable travel across a vital neighborhood connector, maintaining mobility in a dense urban area and preserving a historically significant movable bridge. The improvements also enhance long‑term structural resilience and reduce future operational risks.
Key Stats and Accolades
- Emergency reconstruction of west abutment and wing walls
- Full deck replacement and steel member repairs
- Restored safe operations of a rare retractile‑type movable bridge
- Completed under accelerated, fast‑track conditions
