KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided comprehensive surveying and structural engineering services in support of a bridge rehabilitation program undertaken by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Commuter Railroad (Metro-North). KSE’s responsibilities included field and civil surveying, establishment of horizontal and vertical control networks, right-of-way verification, structural data collection, condition assessments, engineering evaluations, development of rehabilitation recommendations, and preparation of contract documents for construction implementation. Survey crews utilized Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to establish accurate project control throughout each bridge site, including the development of control traverses and benchmark networks to support design, inspection, and future construction activities. KSE also identified and established Metro-North right-of-way limits through the review of railroad valuation maps, property records, and existing documentation.
To facilitate work within active railroad corridors, KSE assisted in the preparation and submission of Site-Specific Work Plans (SSWPs), which included work descriptions, schedules, staffing plans, safety procedures, security requirements, and coordination protocols necessary for operating safely within the railroad environment. For the structural engineering component, KSE performed detailed data collection and condition assessment activities for Bridge HU 3.41. The effort included comprehensive reviews of existing design drawings, as-built plans, maintenance records, inspection reports, previous rehabilitation documentation, and other relevant engineering information. KSE subsequently conducted field inspections to evaluate the structural condition of the bridge, identify deterioration and deficiencies, and assess maintenance and rehabilitation needs affecting long-term performance. Based on these findings,
KSE prepared a bridge repair and replacement evaluation report documenting inspection observations, engineering analyses, rehabilitation and replacement alternatives, supporting sketches, and preliminary construction cost estimates. The report included technical justification for the preferred alternative based on structural condition, constructability, service life expectations, operational impacts, and cost-effectiveness. Following acceptance of the recommended solution, KSE prepared contract documents, plans, specifications, and supporting construction information for implementation by Metro-North Force Account personnel and third-party contractors.
The rehabilitation program encompassed five undergrade railroad bridges located along Metro-North’s Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven Lines in New York State. These structures included Bridge HA 14.57 over the Bronx River in Bronxville, Bridges HA 61.06 and HA 61.36 over the Croton River in Patterson, Bridge HU 3.41 over 110th Street in New York City, and Bridge NH 25.74 over Willet Avenue in Port Chester. The project formed part of Metro-North’s ongoing Capital Program, which was dedicated to maintaining critical transportation infrastructure in a state of good repair, extending asset service life, improving operational reliability, and ensuring the continued safe movement of passengers throughout the regional commuter rail network.
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