Built in 1901, the Atlantic Avenue Viaduct carries Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) Atlantic 1 and 2 tracks connecting Jamaica to downtown Brooklyn. In March 2008, Kiewit was awarded a $69 million design-build, phase-one contract to rehabilitate 86 spans of the elevated viaduct.
The rehabilitation involves demolishing 176 existing spans; designing and replacing longitudinal girders and cap beams; bracing; painting; column repairs; and installing a fiberglass outside walkway and a center walkway. In addition, 10 column foundations must be investigated to determine their condition.
Crews will complete demolition and replacement work in 36-hour windows over weekends and are required to have the track operable by Monday morning rush hour. Span replacement will take place over 36 weekends. Prefabricated spans will be delivered to Kiewit's offsite yard where crews will place ties on the new structure.
Kiewit was able to use its experience from previous jobs to show LIRR a more effective way to complete this job. Kiewit was LIRR's contractor of choice due to experience and overall value.
The project has an expected completion date of January 2010.