Skanska gets $150-million contract to rehab Williamsburg Bridge in NYC

When it was built in 1903, the Williamsburg Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 2,793 feet long (Photo: Adobe Stock)

Skanska was awarded a $150-million contract by the New York City Department of Transportation to reconstruct and rehabilitate the Williamsburg Bridge in New York City, a move that will preserve the historic structure that carries some 100,000 vehicles and 90,000 people every day.

The contract will be included in Skanska’s U.S. order bookings for the third quarter of 2022.

When the Williamsburg Bridge was completed in 1903, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 2,793 feet long. It spans the East River between the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan in New York City.

The 119-year-old span has been rehabilitated several times throughout its history, including a $250-million effort in 1988. Skanska’s work will be funded in part by the Biden Administration’s newly announced first round of Bridge Investment Program Grants that were also revealed earlier this month.

The bridge is included in the reconstruction program for the East River bridges that started 1982. The program was initiated when it became apparent that the bridges were in such critical condition that NYC DOT either had to reconstruct the bridges or replace them.

The scope of work includes the replacement of the stiffening truss bearings at the anchorages and main towers, chord stiffening top and bottom truss repairs, installation of inspection platforms and maintenance travelers, and installation of an Intelligent Transportation System.

Work on the Williamsburg Bridge will begin this month and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025.

Skanska is #20 on International Construction’s Top 200 listing of the world’s largest construction contractors in 2022.