This Harlem River crossing consists of a 416-foot swing span which serves 154th Street, an urban arterial, at the West Approach and the Major Deegan Expressway and Jerome Avenue at the East Approach.  A 1,200-foot adjoining viaduct is also part of the project. 

The Macombs Dam Bridge was erected in 1895 and carried pedestrian, rail and vehicular traffic across the Harlem River.  The bridge underwent a major structural rehabilitation in 1938.  Today the structure carries only vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

Modjeski and Masters, Inc. began the project by providing the Client with an in-depth structural, electrical and mechanical inspection of the entire structure, including approaches in 1984.  These three types of inspections were all performed by in-house personnel.  The findings were summarized in a comprehensive inspection report.   As a follow-up to the inspection, the swing span and approach superstructures were analyzed and load-rated. 

After the inspection work was completed, Modjeski and Masters, Inc.’s scope of work was dramatically increased through the addition of a supplemental design contract to rehabilitate the historic swing span and its approaches.  The rehabilitation work included civil, structural, mechanical and electrical elements.  The Firm provided engineering services for both the preliminary and final design of the rehabilitation of the structure, including redecking of the approach spans and main spans, traffic signing plans, and traffic signal systems.  Also included were safety upgrades and repair of the fender system.  Comprehensive contract plans, specifications and construction cost estimates were developed.  Interestingly, the construction schedule was developed so that construction activities will not interfere with traffic going to and from New York Yankee baseball games during the season.