KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided Resident Engineering Inspection services for the Jerome Avenue retaining wall, water main, sewer, roadway, and streetscape improvement project in the Bronx, New York. KSE was responsible for monitoring contractor operations, verifying compliance with contract documents, coordinating with the New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC), the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), utility companies, and local stakeholders, documenting construction progress, resolving field issues, reviewing work for quality and safety, and helping ensure that construction was completed on time and within budget. KSE’s inspection team also played a critical role in traffic coordination, pedestrian access planning, ADA compliance, utility coordination, and field redesign support in response to unforeseen subsurface conditions.
The project included rehabilitation of the concrete retaining wall along the north side of Jerome Avenue from East 196th Street for nearly 800 feet. Severely deteriorated and bulging wall sections were replaced, spalled and cracked concrete was repaired, and the existing parapet was reconstructed with architectural detailing and chain-link fencing. These improvements eliminated a significant safety hazard while improving the appearance, function, and long-term stability of the corridor.
The project also modernized major underground utilities and roadway infrastructure. Work included replacement of a 36-inch steel trunk water main, installation of a new 12-inch DIP-RJ distribution water main, construction of a new 15-inch ESVP combined sewer, construction of water main chambers, implementation of cathodic protection for the new steel water main, replacement of street lighting and traffic signals, curb and sidewalk reconstruction along Jerome Avenue and Parkview Terrace, and restoration and resurfacing of the roadway. ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps were constructed, and NYCDDC redesigned curb profile elevations to improve street drainage.
The project’s location next to elevated MTA tracks created significant technical and operational challenges. Existing records indicated that the 36-inch trunk main was farther from MTA foundations than field investigations revealed; test pits confirmed that the water main was within approximately 2.5 feet of the foundation, requiring redesign and careful coordination around existing utilities. Pile drilling near elevated subway footings was also constrained by MTA equipment-height restrictions and limited work windows. KSE coordinated with the contractor and MTA to develop acceptable construction methods, ultimately helping secure revised restrictions that allowed more efficient drilling during the final phase.
Traffic detours, lane closures, temporary pedestrian access, and coordination with residential and commercial properties were managed with a strong emphasis on public safety and community continuity. Through proactive inspection, stakeholder coordination, and problem-solving, KSE helped deliver infrastructure improvements that enhanced safety, water service reliability, drainage, traffic flow, and neighborhood functionality.
The project’s engineering excellence and successful urban infrastructure delivery were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Gold Award for Engineering Excellence.
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