Construction Inspection

THE PROJECT
NYSDOT sought to address concerns centered on the use of local streets by cross-border traffic (both cars and trucks) entering and exiting the existing U.S. Border Port of Entry/Peace Bridge Plaza. The goal was to create direct access from the Plaza to the northbound lanes of I-190.

Erdman Anthony was selected to provide construction inspection services for the project.

FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
The multi-year staged project involved:
Stage 1
•    Temporarily relocation of the existing Ramp N while building the lowered tunnel section for the
      new Ramp N
•    Demolition and reconstruction of the existing pedestrian trail and bridge over CSX railway tracks
      and I-190
•    Construction of Ramp D over Ramp N
•    Reconnection of Ramp C

Stages 2 and 3
•    Traffic shift and reconstruction of Porter Avenue Bridge over I-190 and the CSX tracks – one half
      at a time
•    Construction of the Porter Avenue roundabout, including new ramp connections to the
     Peace Bridge and I-190

Stage 4
•    Reconstruction of Ramp A to the Peace Bridge
•    Reconstruction of the pumping-station access road
•    Modification of the Front Park entrance and paths; removal of Baird Drive from Front Park

IMPACTS
The Porter Avenue Bridge over the CSX tracks and I-190 was reconstructed and includes a roundabout with two realigned ramps for safer travel. The Empire State Trail, a pedestrian riverwalk trail, was realigned and includes new bridges over the CSX tracks and I-190. The roadway going through Front Park was eliminated and the park was restored to its original configuration.