“Hey everybody!” echoes in the air. That’s James from McLaren Engineering Group talking about the South Fulton Avenue Bridge in Mount Vernon New York. It is more than just a crossing. It is a story of engineering ingenuity. It is also a story of community resilience.
The South Fulton Avenue Bridge, located over the Metro-North train tracks, had been a downtown landmark for 130 years. Think about that for a moment. Generations had crossed it. But time takes its toll. By 2022, serious structural issues forced its closure to vehicular traffic. This closure marked not an end but a beginning.
The decision was made to replace the South Fulton Avenue Bridge with a modern structure. The new bridge would improve traffic and pedestrian access. It would also enhance access to the Metro-North Railroad’s Mount Vernon East Station. The project was awarded to McLaren. They teamed up with ECCO III for design-build services.
The project’s objective was clear. Replace both the South Fulton Avenue Bridge and the South Street Bridge with new, modern structures. These new structures needed to improve traffic. They needed to enhance pedestrian circulation. The access to the Metro-North Railroad’s Mount Vernon East Station also needed to be improved.
The old South Fulton Avenue Bridge couldn’t just be demolished in place. That would disrupt train service. It would also pose safety risks. Instead, McLaren’s team employed an innovative technique. They used a self-propelled modular transporter or SPMT. This allowed them to slide the entire bridge span 150 feet. This intricate maneuver allowed for the safe disassembly. It also allowed for the demolition of the aging structure.
Imagine the scene. The massive bridge is lifted. It is then moved with precision. The engineers had to consider every detail. They needed to consider wind loads and construction loads. The stability of the abutment was a major concern. It was built in 1897. It comprised of masonry.
As engineer Thomas explains, a temporary distribution foundation was designed. This foundation sat behind the north abutment. Its purpose? To distribute the weight of the structure. It reduced the lateral pressure on the abutment. This was vital for the abutment’s stability during demolition.
The draw of the South Fulton Avenue Bridge opens on signal. It does this from three hours before to three hours after the predicted high tide. At all other times, the bridge opens on signal. Four hours advance notice must be given.
The South Fulton Avenue Bridge replacement is more than just a construction project. It is a testament to human ingenuity. It is a symbol of progress. It is ensuring safe passage for future generations.