Notice: Metropolitan Transportation Authority Construction and Development (MTA C&D) South Channel Bridge Component Repair – Temporary Closure of South Channel Bridge for Construction Repairs, Jamaica Bay, NY
Good morning,
The proposed project consists of the replacement and upgrading of the mechanical and electrical components of the South Channel Swing Bridge so MTA C&D/NYCT can provide reliable service for the next 25 years . This project was developed as a result of a mechanical failure during the summer of 2021, which rendered the South Channel Bridge inoperable, necessitating emergency repairs.
The proposed repair and rehabilitation work will require cranes and equipment brought in by barge. Given the height from the water and the nature of machinery component installation, a stable work platform will be required, therefore the barges will be spudded. A spudded barge is a specialized type of barge commonly used for marine construction. The barge is moored by steel shafts or through-deck piling, which are driven into the river bottom to provide stability.
Because of rail service operational restrictions applied on the project, a 10-week complete closure of the South Channel Bridge and associated channel to marine traffic requiring bridge openings is anticipated. The bridge will be returned to full operational conditions and any additional short term closures in operation related to the construction activities will be coordinated between the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and the contractor. The 10-week closure period will occur sometime between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024. The closures must be integrated with the NYCT rail embargo where rail traffic cannot be impeded. The North Channel Bridge will not be impacted by this construction and will remain in service, although the draw bridge is still out of commission.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the proposed deviation of marine traffic and to determine if your company is able to prepare contingency plans to avoid this area during the closure period. Note that the final dates will be determined once the contract is awarded, and additional notices will be sent out at that time. If plans to avoid this area are feasible, please respond accordingly. In addition, please send acknowledgment that this email was received and provide any comments or feedback within 30-days of receipt. This information will be provided to the USCG for their consideration before granting approval for the deviation of marine traffic.