KS Engineers, P.C. (KSE) served as the Lead Designer for the Design-Build replacement of the Webster Avenue Bridge over the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Port Washington Branch in Manhasset, New York. Working as part of the RCC/GCCOM Design-Build team for MTA Construction & Development, KSE was responsible for advancing the project through the 60%, 90%, and 100% design stages, preparing structural, roadway, drainage, retaining wall, and utility designs, and providing comprehensive construction-phase engineering support. During construction, KSE reviewed shop and erection drawings, interpreted design intent, evaluated field modifications, coordinated responses to contractor inquiries, and prepared record drawings based on contractor markups to ensure the successful delivery of the project.
The Webster Avenue Bridge was an aging, deteriorated structure whose condition posed operational and safety concerns for both roadway users and the active LIRR Port Washington Branch beneath it. MTA Construction & Development initiated the project to replace the obsolete bridge with a modern structure that would improve safety, increase long-term reliability, enhance roadway geometry, and eliminate chronic drainage problems that had affected railroad operations.
Building upon the owner’s preliminary 30% design, KSE developed an innovative alternate design that significantly improved constructability while reducing both cost and schedule. Rather than utilizing pile-supported piers and a three-span configuration, KSE designed a single-span bridge supported on cast-in-place abutments. This innovative solution eliminated the need for intermediate piers, avoided costly overhead utility relocations, and substantially reduced track outage requirements, allowing railroad operations to continue with minimal disruption throughout construction. The alternate design also simplified long-term maintenance while improving structural durability and overall project efficiency.
To achieve the required vertical clearance over the railroad, the roadway profile was raised approximately three feet. KSE carefully integrated the revised roadway geometry with the surrounding street network while minimizing impacts to adjacent properties and maintaining safe vehicular and pedestrian access. Comprehensive drainage improvements were incorporated into the design to capture and convey roadway runoff away from the tracks, eliminating recurring flooding issues that had historically affected rail operations. New retaining walls were designed along the roadway approaches to accommodate the raised profile while avoiding impacts to adjacent private properties and limiting right-of-way acquisition.
Throughout construction, KSE worked closely with MTA Construction & Development, the Design-Builder, contractors, and railroad personnel to promptly resolve field issues, maintain schedule, and ensure construction quality. The firm’s collaborative Design-Build approach and innovative engineering solutions resulted in a safer, more resilient transportation asset that improves both roadway and railroad operations while minimizing long-term maintenance requirements.
The project’s engineering innovation, accelerated Design-Build delivery, and exceptional technical achievement were recognized with the American Council of Engineering Companies of New Jersey (ACEC NJ) Award for Engineering Excellence, the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACEC NY) Platinum Award for Engineering Excellence, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Long Island Branch Project of the Year – Design-Build Award.
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