The suspenders were last replaced in 1955

Manhattan Bridge Contract No. 14 kicked off in June 2010, marking one of the final initiatives to repair and rebuild infrastructure on the 1,470-foot-long, 1909 span. It continues the city Department of Transportation’s large-scale, $834 million renovation that began in 1982. Now with only three years left to go, crews this spring are focusing on suspender replacement, preventive maintenance, and re-wrapping the main cables.

With their iconic curve, the 21-inch-thick main cables connect the land anchorages on the Manhattan and Brooklyn shores across the two tower tops. The suspenders are the vertical cables linking the main cables and roadway decks; the 628 bridge suspenders were last replaced in 1955. Necklace lights also will be replaced starting later in 2011, and the entire contract is slated for June 2013 completion. The full reconstruction will end with a seismic retrofit of the bridge, slated for 2014 completion.

Most work will occur Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with some weekend or night operations. To help minimize traffic disruptions, work schedules will be determined in coordination with the Brooklyn Bridge Rehabilitation project, where overnight closures resume April 4, 2011 (read more here). Bikeway work on the Manhattan Bridge also will reduce the path width and require full closures; details and dates will be posted on LowerManhattan.info as they are announced.

Among Manhattan Bridge work completed to date: reconstruction of the upper roadways and subway lines; installation of a truss system to reduce twisting; restoration of the Manhattan Plaza’s landmarked arch and colonnade; and reconstruction of the walkway and bikeway.

Contact Manhattan Bridge rehabilitation project Community Liaison Teresa Toro with questions or to subscribe to project updates: (347) 325-1622 or manhattanbridgeoutreach@gmail.com.

Related Links