For decades, the original 1939 Kosciuszko Bridge was one of New York City’s most notorious bottlenecks, carrying heavy traffic along the Brooklyn‑Queens Expressway (BQE) over Newtown Creek. To ease congestion and improve mobility between Brooklyn and Queens, the New York State Department of Transportation advanced a major two‑phase design‑build program to replace the aging 1.1‑mile truss bridge with a pair of modern, cable‑stayed twin spans. The new structures now carry nine lanes of traffic – five eastbound and four westbound – along with a dedicated bike and pedestrian path, providing smoother, safer travel across one of the city’s most important regional connectors.
What challenges did STV address?
Replacing a critical BQE crossing required maintaining continuous traffic flow while executing one of the largest bridge programs in the region. The project demanded rigorous verification of construction activities, material compliance and data control processes across multiple contract packages. Ensuring quality, safety and adherence to civil‑rights provisions also required robust oversight due to the scale and complexity of the effort.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV provided construction management and quality assurance services throughout the replacement program. The team verified construction operations, reviewed schedules, monitored compliance with Manual for Uniform Record Keeping (MURK) requirements and ensured adherence to contract provisions. STV’s oversight helped maintain project momentum, advance phasing safely and achieve the client’s mobility and reliability goals.
How does this project benefit the region?
The twin cable‑stayed spans reduce congestion, improve travel reliability and enhance safety for the hundreds of thousands of commuters who use the BQE daily. The addition of a multi‑use path expands mobility options for cyclists and pedestrians, creating new connections between communities and supporting sustainable transportation.
Key Stats and Accolades
- 9‑lane cable‑stayed crossing
- Two new long‑span bridges
- Replaces 1939 truss bridge
- Includes bike and pedestrian shared‑use path
- Winner: CMAA NY/NJ Project Achievement Award
