Macombs Dam Bridge Rehabilitation

Built in 1895, the existing bridge supersedes Robert Macomb’s 1814 Harlem River lock and dam, and its 1861 replacement bridge. Located in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, the historic Macombs Dam Bridge continues to serve as a vital connection for the Bronx and upper Manhattan. In recent times, the swing bridge was designated an official New York City landmark. And to ensure that the bridge remained in service and operational for years to come, the New York City Department of Transportation embarked on an ambitious multi-million dollar rehabilitation project. 

To begin, our experienced field personnel performed an in-depth structural, electrical and mechanical inspection of the swing span, the approach camelback truss over the Metro-North Railroad, deck truss over the CSX Railroad, and the viaducts over I-87. The entire bridge was then analyzed and load-rated. Next, Modjeski and Masters (M&M) provided preliminary and final design for the rehabilitation of the structure, including redecking of the approach and main spans, and traffic signage and signal systems design. To maintain the bridge’s iconic status, details to restore original decorative aesthetics were carefully incorporated into the final design. During construction, M&M developed an innovative means of keeping the project on schedule. A shop drawing database was developed to track the checking and approval details. This database contained over 8,000 records with over 50 data entries associated with each record. And to ensure that visitors to Yankee Stadium would not be impacted, a construction work schedule was developed around the Yankees baseball season.