The bridge carries a yearly average of 106 million vehicles on 14 lanes over the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York, and its tollbooths generate around $1 million per day. To keep this link safe, PANYNJ developed security designs for the bridge that would be able to prevent a terrorist Vehicular Borne Improvised Explosive Device from damaging any structural, economic and population targets.
Conti worked with PANYNJ to provide the George Washington Bridge access ramps with up-to-date security and access control. Conti began security upgrades by constructing a hydraulic vehicular barrier capable of stopping personal and commercial vehicle threats. Conti then constructed a telecommunication panel and trenching to protect power and signal cables running to and from it. Conti’s other security upgrades included installation of signal lights and CCTV which allow PANYNJ to keep watch on the bridge at all times.
The team performed all work in the midst of very congested traffic, keeping at least half the road open during construction and for the emergency and police vehicle major access point nearby. Conti completed this logistically complex project on time, helping to eliminate security breaches.
Key features of the project included:
