After eight years, there’s a new bridge in the Bronx.
Unionport Constructors, a joint venture of SPC Construction and Lane Construction has celebrated the completion and full opening of the new Bruckner Expressway over Westchester Creek in the New York City borough, according to a Dec. 10 news release from SPC parent company FlatironDragados.
The new span replaces the old Unionport Bridge, a bascule bridge that was erected in the 1950s, according to the news release. The $232 million Unionport Bridge Replacement Project supplants that span with a modern double-leaf bascule structure, which is designed for a 75-year service life.
SPC is a subsidiary of Colorado-based infrastructure giant FlatironDragados, which brought together Schiavone Construction, John P. Picone and E.E. Cruz to create an infrastructure firm in the New York and New Jersey region. Lane Construction is a part of the Webuild Group, a global construction consortium with Italian roots.
The joint venture of SPC and Lane Construction used a phased construction approach that allowed traffic and maritime operations to continue while construction was underway, per the release. The Unionport Bridge project broke ground in 2017 and was completed in 10 phases, according to the Webuild Group’s project page.
With its completion, the bridge connects the Cross Bronx Expressway, Bruckner Expressway and Hutchinson River Parkway, per the announcement. The project features two side-by-side, single-leaf bascule spans that each support three lanes of traffic.
The Unionport Constructors isn’t alone in revamping an aging, moveable span — in October, California-based Granite began work on the $138 million rehabilitation of Chicago’s Lake Street Bascule Bridge for the city’s DOT. The builder will fully replace the Windy City crossing, which was first built in 1916.
The updated New York City bridge includes a dedicated pedestrian walkway and protected bike lane; advanced mechanical and electrical systems; and enhanced lighting, signage and safety systems.
