Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Program

Rehabilitate, Retrofit, and Reuse

The Bayonne Bridge, an historical civic engineering landmark, designed by legendary engineer Othmar H. Ammann, is the fourth longest steel arch bridge in the world, and was the longest in the world at the time of its completion. It connects Bayonne, New Jersey, with Staten Island, New York, spanning the Kill Van Kull. Construction began in September 1928 and was completed in 1931. The primary purpose of the bridge was to allow vehicular traffic from Staten Island to reach Manhattan via the Holland Tunnel.

Today, the 151-foot air draft restriction beneath the Bayonne Bridge is an obstacle for larger ships doing business with marine terminals west of the Bridge -- at Port Newark and the Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminals in New Jersey, and at Howland Hook on Staten Island, New York. The US Army Corps of Engineers' September 2009 Bayonne Bridge Air Draft Analysis indicated that raising the Bridge to eliminate the current air draft restriction will produce an estimated $3.3-billion dollar national benefit, which is independent (i.e., above and beyond) of the benefits available from the completion of 50-foot harbor deepening project. This preliminary benefits estimate recognizes that 12% of all US international containers pass under the Bridge. In addition, a New York Shipping Association, Inc. study found that the ports are an economic engine for the region, generating over 269,900 direct and indirect jobs and nearly $11 billion in annual wages.

As a result, we are taking action to solve the problem. On December 29, 2010, the Port Authority announced our "Raise the Roadway" alternative to provide the most effective solution to the Bayonne Bridge clearance issue — raising the bridge's roadway to approximately 215 feet to increase the existing 151-foot navigational clearance restrictions. The 64 feet of additional air draft will allow the Port of New York and New Jersey to benefit from the increased deployment of larger, operationally efficient and environmentally beneficial vessels, via the Suez and an expanded Panama Canal, to reach the port's main terminals. These 7,000 TEU and larger vessels produce dramatically lower per slot shipping – cost savings that flow through the supply chain and ultimately result in lower consumer prices.

The proposed billion-dollar bridge will modernize its roadway portions while retaining the character and historic design of the 80-year-old facility.

The Port Authority and its maritime tenants have consistently invested in cranes terminals and landside access systems to support the economies of scale advantages delivered from post-Panamax ships. The raising of the Bayonne Bridge roadway will help the port continue to serve as a national gateway through:

• Optimized use of the more than $2 billion invested by the Port Authority and the federal government in deeper channels and berths;
• Lowered shipping costs for regional and national business that use the port through use of available economies of scale service; and
• Reduced truck vehicle miles traveled through easy access to on-port ExpressRail services and the most direct landside trucking routes to distribution centers and stores.

For more information on the Port of New York and New Jersey, please visit www.portnynj.info

Public benefits

In addition to solving the navigational clearance problem for the shipping industry, "Raise the Roadway" has significant long-term benefits for drivers, walkers, and cyclists:

• Wider roadway travel lanes, shoulders, and median divider for improved safety and to extend the life of the bridge
• New toll gantry, allowing for quicker travel over the bridge
• Bikeway and walkway the entire length of the bridge with access ramps replacing existing stairs

Local Businesses

Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Program

The goal behind including an LBE program in the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Project (BBNCP) is to actively pursue local businesses to offer them the opportunity to work and to be part of a major construction effort/milestone in the region's history, while enhancing the local economy.

Because of both the localized impact and the reconstruction of the Navigational Clearance Program, team members agreed it was necessary to better define what geographic area was considered local in relation to the Bayonne Bridge.  The method selected was to look at not only where customers were originating from, but also the counties in which they reside.  An analysis of origin and destination data was helpful to determine that following counties constitute the majority of affected customers:

• Richmond County, New York
• Essex County, New Jeresy
• Hudson County, New Jersey
• Union County, New Jersey

The Port Authority carefully identified key areas of construction that could be subcontracted in order to inform local businesses, specifically, what work would be available to them.  In addition, this LBE Program uniquely seeks to expand the types of services, work and procurement opportunities beyond traditional construction work.

Outreach

The key to success for LBE participation is reaching out and interfacing with the business community in the local areas. We want to put in motion this effort and lead the initial dialogue by hosting the first meeting with LBEs (in each county), at which all pre-qualified Contracting teams will be required to attend. During the fall of 2012 outreach events were held for local business in Richmond County, NY and Hudson, Union, and Essex counties in New Jersey. This purpose of this initial outreach effort was three-fold:

1. to inform the LBEs of the BBNCP and explain we would like them to participate to the extent they are able;
2. to share with them the business certification opportunities they can potentially apply for; and
3. to provide both the potential Contractor team as well as LBEs a chance to network and build relationships.

For additional information about doing business with the Port Authority click here. To learn about our M/WBE certification and small business opportunities click here.

Progress

Project

• December 2012 – Request for Proposals (RFP) for pre-construction condition survey advertised.
• July 2012 – Port Authority announces new, expedited timeline to raise the roadway of the Bayonne Bridge
• June 2012 – Five teams seeking to bid on BBNCP have been prequalified. Teams include:
  

• April 2012 - Request to Qualify (RTQ) document released to public
• August 2011 – United States Coast Guard designated as lead federal agency
• June 2011 – Consultant retained for the Engineering and Preliminary Design Effort
• September 2010 – Board Authorization for the capital planning process to provide for $1B of capital capacity to address Bayonne Bridge navigational clearance limitations
• August 2009 – PANYNJ Board authorizes Planning and Conceptual Engineering Alternatives Analyses

Engineering

• November 2012 – PANYNJ receives 100% design drawings.
• August 2012 – PANYNJ received 90% design drawings.
• June 2012 – A utility survey for both New York and New Jersey was completed
• May 2012 – PANYNJ received 50% design drawings
• February 2012 – Begin production of Final contract drawings
• February 2012 – PANYNJ takes advantage of an opportunity to fast-track the program with a Design/Bid/Build strategy.  This reduces cost, risk, schedule as well as allowing for improved quality and design control
• August 2011 – Issued Request for Proposals for the performance of expert professional State Historic Preservation Office review process services
• December 2010 – Port Authority Announces Preferred Solution to Resolve the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Issue
• December 2010 – PANYNJ completes Alternatives Analyses
• September 2009 – US Army Corps of Engineers National Cost Benefit Analysis Completed

Regulations & Permitting

• July 19, 2012: White House announces federal permitting for the Bayonne Bridge to be expedited as part of the We Can't Wait Initiative.
• June 5, 2012 – Section 106 Consulting Parties met to review and comment on historic resources documentation.
• May 2012 - The Port Authority has received the unanimous endorsement of the combined New York and New Jersey senate delegations for inclusion in President Obama’s March 2012 Executive Order to expedite infrastructure projects.
• March 2012 – Historic resource documentation provided to both New York and New Jersey historic preservation officers for review as part of the Section 106 process.
• November 2011 – The USCG initiated the NEPA process. When information becomes available, please visit http://www.uscg.mil/d1/
• November 2011 – Initiation meeting held with the NY & NJ SHPO offices
• November 2011 – Consultant retained for the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review effort
• August 2011 – National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review process initiated

Outreach

• December 12, 2012 Pre-qualified contractor update meeting held.
• December 7, 2012 - Local Business Enterprise program outreach meeting in Essex County, New Jersey
• October 26, 2012 – Local Business Enterprise program outreach meeting in Union County, New Jersey
• September 27, 2012 – Local Business Enterprise program outreach meeting in Richmond County, New York
• September 25, 2012 – Local Business Enterprise program outreach meeting in Hudson County, New Jersey
• September 2012 – Pre-qualified contractor updated meeting held.
• May 7, 2012 – The team completed an informational meeting to Contractors following the announcement for RTQs.
• June 27, 2011 – Presentation to Staten Island elected officials.
• January 24, 2011 – Presentation to NJ elected officials.

Next Steps

• Continued contractor outreach
• Completion of final design and preparation of contract documents.

Press Releases

The Bayonne Bridge: An Engineering Marvel

Articles

• Port Authority says it's ahead of schedule on Bayonne Bridge raising
• Deepening of Bayonne's Kill van Kull successful
• $500 million deal at Port Newark may bring 800 jobs
• Raise Bayonne Bridge to keep ports competitive
• Port Authority approves $25 million for planning of raising Bayonne Bridge's roadbed
• P.A. Shows It's Moving On Project to Raise Bayonne Bridge Roadbed
• How a $1B Lift Will Give Bayonne Bridge a Boost
• Bayonne Bridge Option Unveiled
• Bayonne Bridge Roadbed to be Raised 215 Feet
• Raising Bayonne Bridge makes way for new ships

Links

See more Bayonne Bridge links on Delicious

Gov. Chris Christie (at podium), visited the Bayonne Bridge in September to praise the Port Authority's plan to increase the clearance height to permit taller ships to enter the port. Christie is joined by (left to right) Bayonne Councilman Terrance Ruane, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, State Sen. Sandra Bolden Cunningham, Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, and U.S. Rep. Albio Sires.

Video Links: Gov. Chris Christie | U.S. Rep. Albio Sires | Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith | International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) International Executive Vice President Harold J. Daggett | ILA Atlantic Coast District President Stephen Knott | New York Shipping Association President Joseph C. Curto

"This [port] industry will remain a vital part of New Jersey's economy and the region's economy for the foreseeable future now as we replace this bridge." – Chris Christie, New Jersey Governor

"The Bayonne Bridge has been a major priority of mine and I have advocated for the raising of the bridge to help save over 250,000 jobs. I applaud the teamwork necessary from the Port Authority, Mayor Mark Smith and his administration, the State of New Jersey, and the entire Congressional Delegation." – U.S. Rep Albio Sires

"The bridge is critical to the circle of mobility in the region." - Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith

"Today's announcement is part of two very important initiatives of the Christie Administration – job creation and ensuring our regional competitiveness." – Kim Guadagno, New Jersey Lt. Governor

"I come before you today, [representing] the tens of thousands of ILA workers and their families, to thank Governor Christie for his valuable leadership in urging the Port Authority to authorize one billion dollars for the capital budget to address the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance limitation." - International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) International Executive Vice President Harold J. Daggett

"We are committed to getting projects like the Bayonne Bridge to market quickly while protecting our environment at the same time.  Raising the Roadway will allow larger container ships, burning less fuel per container and deploying the latest ballast water and other environmentally friendly technology, to enter our port.  I look forward to welcoming post-Panamax ships to our shores in 2015." - Pat Foye, Port Authority Executive Director

"Raising the Bayonne Bridge is the most critical infrastructure project facing the Port Authority and the region. That is why this project is the top priority of the Port Authority, and we are confident that when the Panama Canal opens, that first ship through the canal will then pass under the new Bayonne Bridge to call on the Port of New York and New Jersey—the premier destination of cargo on the East Coast." - David Samson, Port Authority Chairman

"This project is a prime example of how the Port Authority is working to cut red tape and expedite reviews that delay the delivery of important projects.  Every day that we can move this project forward is good for our port and good for the region." - Scott Rechler, Port Authority Vice Chairman

"Thanks to the hard work of Port Authority staff – and our federal, state and local partners – we will be able to Raise the Roadway ahead of the Panama Canal.  This critical infrastructure project will create more than 6,300 construction jobs and ensure the 279,000 jobs supported by the port will continue to flourish." - Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni

"[The board's actions] shows the Port Authority's commitment to ensure larger, more modern ships can continue to access the East Coast's largest port and in turn continue to operate as an economic engine for New Jersey and the entire region." – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

"The Bayonne Bridge height restriction is a critical issue to both Staten Island and New Jersey's economy. I am pleased to see that the Port Authority's "raise the roadway" solution does not cause anyone to lose their home and that the Port Authority will be working with the Staten Island community to make sure we are comfortable during and after construction. I am also pleased that the Port Authority is open to exploring mass transit options across the future Bayonne Bridge." - Staten Island Borough President James Molinaro

"Raising the height restrictions of the Bayonne Bridge is necessary in order for our North Shore maritime industry to remain vital for future generations. Therefore, I am happy to hear that the PA's 'raise the roadway' solution takes into account Staten Island residents concerns regarding their property and potential traffic conditions during construction. This project will also create jobs for residents. I know the PA will respect our neighborhoods and traffic issues during construction." - Council Member Debi Rose (49th District, Staten Island)

How We Do It

The constructability review confirmed that removal of the existing roadway and erection of the new higher roadway can be performed using a number of construction methods. For example:

A crane can be used to build new piers to support the new higher roadway.

An overhead gantry can be used for lifting operations. Overhead gantrys can be used on the main span (as demonstrated by the conceptual animation) and to construct the approach roadway on top of the new piers.

The constructability review also confirmed that the Contractor will be able to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction and minimize night closures.

To learn more about how we will "Raise the Roadway" of the Bayonne Bridge, click here to watch a video.

Environmental Review Outreach

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), as the lead agency, in consultation with the Port Authority has prepared environmental documentation for the Bayonne Bridge Navigational Clearance Program pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The USCG has also provided a Project Summary and Fact sheet translated into Spanish and Portuguese on their website.

The USCG has initiated public review of this documentation and will be accepting comments through March 5, 2013. You can find instructions for review and comment in the Notice of Availability (NOA) found here. The USCG will be holding public meetings on this program at the dates, times, and locations listed below.

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Partners and Local Organizations

• Bayonne Chamber of Commerce
• SI Chamber of Commerce
• Hudson County Chamber of Commerce
• State of New Jersey
• State of New York
• City of Bayonne, New Jersey
• Bayonne Historical Society
• Borough of Staten Island
• Staten Island Historical Society
• Outerbridge Crossing
• Goethals Bridge
• Port Authority Port Commerce Department

Learn more