As a Joint Venture member of the AKRF/KSE JV, KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) provided comprehensive structural, traffic, civil, geotechnical, and construction support engineering services for the East Side Coastal Resiliency (ESCR) Project, one of the largest and most significant climate resiliency initiatives in New York City. KSE’s responsibilities included structural design of the Corlears Hook Park Bridge, overhead and cantilever sign structures over the FDR Drive, retaining walls, foundations for the sewer interceptor gate building, canopies, and park support structures, including tennis and track houses within East River Park. The firm also provided Maintenance and Protection of Traffic (MPT) design for the FDR Drive and adjacent local streets, roadway design, supplemental survey, geotechnical engineering support, interdisciplinary coordination, and construction-phase engineering services. Working collaboratively with AKRF and numerous public agencies, KSE helped deliver engineering solutions that balanced resiliency, mobility, constructability, and long-term sustainability.
Developed in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the ESCR Project implements the vision established through the Rebuild by Design initiative to protect Manhattan’s East Side neighborhoods from future storm surge, coastal flooding, and sea level rise. Extending from Montgomery Street to East 25th Street, the project provides comprehensive coastal protection while simultaneously transforming East River Park into a more resilient, accessible, and vibrant public space. The program safeguards critical transportation infrastructure, residential communities, utilities, and public amenities while strengthening New York City’s long-term climate resilience.
The overall design incorporates an integrated system of floodwalls, flood gates, terraced levees, and landscaped berms that blend resilient infrastructure with improved recreational opportunities and enhanced waterfront access. Existing bridges connecting surrounding neighborhoods to East River Park are being replaced or reconstructed to improve accessibility and accommodate the new flood protection system. At key tie-in locations, including Montgomery Street and East 25th Street, deployable flood gates and permanent floodwalls provide continuous protection while maintaining neighborhood connectivity and operational flexibility during storm events.
A signature element of KSE’s work was the design of the new Corlears Hook Park Bridge, a 158-foot steel tied-arch suspended bridge spanning the FDR Drive. Designed to carry heavy emergency vehicles, including fire apparatus, the bridge reconnects Corlears Hook Park with the Corlears Hook Amphitheater and East River Park, providing a safe and resilient pedestrian connection while serving as a vital emergency access route. KSE also designed eight overhead and cantilever sign structures over the FDR Drive and numerous structural elements supporting both transportation and park infrastructure.
Throughout the project, the Joint Venture coordinated extensively with numerous City, State, and Federal agencies to secure construction, environmental, and forestry permits while maintaining project schedule and minimizing impacts to one of New York City’s busiest transportation corridors. The result is a landmark infrastructure program that protects communities, strengthens critical transportation assets, improves public open space, and advances the City’s vision for a more resilient waterfront.
The project’s exceptional engineering innovation, climate resilience, and transformative impact were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Diamond Award for Engineering Excellence and the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Empire Award for Engineering Excellence.
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