Sleek Solution fit for Park Ave
Big upgrades are underway in the Bronx as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) elevated subway line (aka the “el”) is receiving a major facelift, which includes the installation of new frosted white noise barrier panels for this vital mass transit project.
Project Overview
The viaduct structure, which is over 130 years old, carries 98% of all Metro-North trains traveling along the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines serving the Harlem-125th Street Station and Grand Central Terminal. A monumental project, the first section in the viaduct replacement process has now been successfully completed.
Limiting disruption to Metro-North Railroad service was a key component and goal of the MTA, and all Construction and Development would need to help perform work better, faster, and cost-effectively without significant disruption to riders and residents alike.
Wall Design Integration
Construction began April 2024 on New York City’s elevated track Line 4, to revitalize the outdated barrier system in place. The Superior team collaborated with Larson Engineering and Halmar Construction, to design a noise barrier solution that would integrate seamlessly along the viaduct, an elevated steel structure which would see the removal of the existing concrete and steel bridge deck with new prefabricated bridge units.
The vertical support bents of the viaduct structure are used as support posts to the bridge deck. Spaced at regular intervals along the length of the bridge, they follow the length of the track, helping to transfer the loads from the bridge structure to the foundation.
Due to the complexity of designing the walls along these bents, the design and drafting was a meticulous process. One which leaned heavily on the expertise of Superior, explained Devon Cartwright, Operations Supervisor:
“Our team enjoyed the challenge this project brought. While our scope was simple, it took an expert eye to identify the requirements and make it happen so easily.”
A Sleek Solution
As seen in before and after images, the barrier previously in place was an eyesore for the communities, providing little privacy or noise reduction.
Superior delivered 4,500 linear feet of white translucent panels. Lightweight and easily handled, they were assembled into the frames onsite with ease and little disruption to the surrounding area when using less heavy equipment to install. The white frosted effect was selected to enhance the look of these barriers, stretching a total of 12 blocks from 112th to 124th East Street.
The application helps mitigate track noise and provides additional privacy to the neighboring businesses and residents living alongside the elevated track.
The Next Phase
We are currently in the design stage for the next phase of this project which will continue the noise barrier further down the line another five blocks from 127th E. St to 132nd E. St. The installation of this phase is set to take place Spring 2025.
