SLYM Machinery Notes Successful Completion of Major Unionport Bridge Replacement Project

New York City has marked the completion of the seven-year, $232 million Unionport Bridge replacement project, a vital infrastructure upgrade for the Bronx. The new double-leaf bascule bridge connects the Cross Bronx Expressway, Bruckner Expressway, and Hutchinson River Parkway, serving as a critical artery for both commuter and commercial traffic.

The replacement project, managed by Unionport Constructors, a joint venture involving Lane Construction and FlatironDragados subsidiary SPC Construction Co. LLC, began in 2018. The new structure features two single-leaf bascule spans with three lanes each, a dedicated pedestrian walkway, and a protected bike lane. Improved mechanical and electrical systems were installed to facilitate bridge lifts for marine navigation, aligning with city initiatives to promote water-based freight and ease roadway congestion in the Bronx.

Construction challenges included maintaining traffic flow and vessel navigation throughout the seven-year process. Two temporary hydraulic lift bridges were employed to keep four lanes of traffic moving, demonstrating the adaptability and necessity of specialized equipment in complex urban environments. The new bridge replaces the original 526-foot structure from the 1950s, which had reached the end of its service life. The project's excellence was recognized when Lane Construction received the 2024 Association for Bridge Construction & Design Bridge Industry Achievement Award.