Construction Management

Construction Inspection, Miscellaneous Construction on Newburgh-Beacon and Mid-Hudson Bridges, Painting Newburgh-Beacon and Rip Van Winkle Bridges

HAKS provided Construction Inspection Services for work on the Newburgh-Beacon and Rip Van Winkle Bridges and on approaches to the Mid-Hudson Bridge, for the New York State Bridge Authority.

Work on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, which spans the Hudson River, consisted of installing 21,500 feet of pipe railing and 7,000 feet of wire rope. The contractor placed access ladders, installed 1,400 feet of hand rail along the bottom chords and bird screening, and re-caulked stone curb joints. Variable message signs and 16 new lane use controllers were replaced. A new central computer system was installed and communication and power lines placed. The concrete pavement was replaced with one of asphalt along Route I-84.

Other work included digging and underdrain trench and filling it with filter stone and pipe, milling the asphalt shoulder, and placing new asphalt. Pavement striping at the toll plaza was enhanced in order to better direct traffic to the EZ Pass lanes. The south span was power washed and painted. Miscellaneous structural repairs were completed. Rehabilitation at the toll booth area called for making full-depth concrete repairs and microsurfacing.

On the approaches to the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the concrete pavement on Routes 44/55 was replaced and concrete barrier installed. The main road to the Authority's IT Building was repaved and curbs and shoulders constructed.

In order to paint the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, the 3,300-foot long deck truss had to be blast cleaned to a near-white finish. A Class 1A containment system was employed and airborne contaminants monitored utilizing PM-10 and TSP monitors. Worker blood levels were checked. The new paint was a three-coat moisture cured urethane system. The contractor used a scaffolding system of chain link fencing with canvas traps to provide a negative air environment for the blasting. Also, 2,500 feet of Innerduct conduit was installed for security camera use.

Hazardous wastes produced in the course of the work were stored on site, then transported to a reclaiming facility in accordance with RCRA standards.

HAKS inspectors were responsible for ensuring that all work met contract requirements, and that the painting operations were accomplished in accordance with all OSHA and NYSBA regulations. Emphasis was placed on the Maintenance and Protection of Traffic to guarantee safe access through all work areas. Bridge construction operations were performed mostly at night in order to minimize traffic disruption. The project was successfully completed on time and under budget.