Reconstruction of RK-93 Randall’s Island Ramp project is recognized for innovative solutions
NEW YORK (Jan. 17, 2025) – The American Society of Highway Engineers New York Metro Area has honored HNTB with its 2024-2025 Large Project of the Year Award for the successful reconstruction of the RK-93 Randall’s Island Ramp, a design-build project for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Construction & Development division and MTA Bridges & Tunnels.
Each year, the ASHE NY Metro Chapter presents a range of awards, which are judged based on new applications of existing techniques, originality, innovation, complexity, social and economic impact, safety, aesthetics, sustainable features and the ability to meet or exceed owner and client needs. The Large Project Award recognizes projects with construction budgets exceeding $40 million.
The $108-million design-build project – located at the MTA Bridges and Tunnels’ Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Bridge – involved the construction of two new vehicular ramps and three new shared use path ramps, ADA compliant access, and enhanced safety and accessibility to Randall’s Island. The ramps connecting Queens to Randall’s Island and Randall’s Island to Manhattan were relocated to eliminate a substandard left-hand entrance, mitigate weaving issues, and improve constructability for the future replacement of the RFK Manhattan Plaza Viaduct. At-grade improvements including reconfigured intersections, improved pedestrian access, new crosswalks and a dedicated bus lane unite the new structures to streamline access and enhance safety for all park visitors.
Some innovative components the project team included in this project were low-carbon concrete materials and design features that reduce long-term maintenance, ensuring safer and more reliable access to Randall’s Island Park for the traveling public.
“We are proud to deliver a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for our client that creates safe access to the island for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles,” said Geraldine Zikely, HNTB design manager. “The project team worked diligently to ensure minimal impact on the park environment, users and the traveling public, while designing features that will help reduce future maintenance needs.”
The vehicular ramps opened to the public on May 23, 2024. The new southern pedestrian ramp to Randall’s Island Park along the RFK/Triborough Bridge opened to the public on Dec. 2, 2024, followed by the new ADA accessible ramp from the Bronx that opened on Dec. 30. The northern pedestrian connection will open upon completion of an adjoining NYC Parks project in Manhattan. ASHE New York Metro will present the 2024-2025 Project of the Year Award Winners at a ceremony on January 21 in New York City.