The New York State Bridge Authority has awarded a contract worth US$93.8 million for the replacement of Bear Mountain Bridge’s concrete deck.

The contract went to El Sol Contracting/ES II Enterprises of Maspeth, New York, with a completion date in 2028. The single-span suspension bridge over the Hudson River dates to the 1920s and last had its deck replaced in the 1970s. The new lightweight concrete deck has been designed to accommodate heavier modern truck loads and is expected to last more than 50 years.

During the renewal work, the sidewalks will be widened and the barriers improved to bring them into line with modern standards. A new fencing system will be installed, as well. And new overlooks on the bridge towers will allow sightseers views of the Hudson River and Highlands, which are famed for autumn colour.

In the late 1990s, the bridge cables were sealed with an innovative polymer paste as a protective measure against corrosion, which showed promising results eight years later (link opens in new tab).

The design consultant was Thornton Tomasetti.