DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONS DURING THE REHABILITATION OF THE PARK AVENUE VIADUCT

This paper describes the design and construction innovations of the $120 million rehabilitation of the Park Avenue Viaduct. Opened to rail traffic in 1897, the one mile long viaduct extends from 110th Street north to the Harlem River in New York City. The viaduct carries four tracks and is operated by Metro-North Railroad, the second largest commuter railroad in the nation. It provides the only rail link between Grand Central Terminal and the rest of the nation. The principal structural element which directly supports the four tracks (2 tracks/span) consists of a trough deck (riveted plates and angles). The 28' wide deck spans between side and center girders. It is severely corroded, and needs replacement. The other structural elements are deemed repairable. The criteria which dictated design and construction included: availability of three out of four tracks for revenue service; community concerns; safety and environmental requirements; and cost. This ruled out the replacement of the existing structure in its entirety. The rehabilitated structure uses new 28' long floorbeams (spanning between the existing side and center girders) spaced every 5' and topped with a concrete slab as replacement for the deck. Each floorbeam supports two tracks as did the original deck. The rails are attached to the concrete slab by Direct Fixation Fasteners versus a conventional tie and ballast approach. This system is not subjected to degradation of its geometry, had long life, and provides smoother ride comfort. Each track is reconstructed within a one year period with the adjacent track out of service during off-peak hours. Before floorbeams are erected, the side and center girders are reinforced. Concrete pours are scheduled during weekends with the adjacent track out of service so that the concrete can gain enough strength before service is restored on the adjacent track on Monday morning.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1201 New York Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC    20005
• Authors:
  • Narang, R P
  • Sewell, W A
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the 1996 Rapid Transit Conference of the American Transit Association
  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Date: 1996-6-2 to 1996-6-6
• Publication Date: 1996

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 105-110

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction projects; Driver rehabilitation; Environmental impacts; Girders; Railroad commuter service; Railroad tracks; Railroad transportation; Revenues; Structures; Viaducts
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rehabilitation
• Old TRIS Terms: Structural; Structure maintenance
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Environment; Finance; Maintenance and Preservation; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00749119
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Volume 3
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 20 1998 12:00AM