Improving the George Washington Bridge for Pedestrian Use

摘要

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has a $1.92-billion, 10-year plan to overhaul the 89-year-old George Washington Bridge (GWB). The GWB is the busiest bridge in not only the United States but also the world, with more than a quarter of a million motor vehicles passing over the bridge every single day. The original one-span bridge was built in 1931, with its lower level roadway and spans being added in 1962. Ferreira Construction Co. is currently working as a subcontractor on the Suspender Rope Replacement project, and it has also been contracted to demolish an old pedestrian bridge that leads to the New Jersey side and replace it with a new one. This new walkway will improve bicycle and pedestrian access and public safety, as well as feature a viewing platform that provides pedestrians with spectacular views of the GWB itself. Construction of the bridge will be done in phases, with the new walkway spanning more than 1,700 ft. The path transitions from slab-on-grade to steel-supported elevated spans that traverse over the Palisades Parkway access ramps, then transitions back to a slab-on-grade walkway as it winds its way to meet the existing GWB main-span sidewalk.