Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of bridge replacement work on Phase 1 of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Park Avenue Viaduct Replacement Project. The effort involved replacing 8,240 track feet of the viaduct’s aging structure through 128 bridge installations, with no disruption to Metro-North service. The project is reported to be $93 million under budget and 51 months ahead of schedule.
“Today’s milestone demonstrates the transformative work we can get done in New York when we invest in transit,” Governor Hochul said. “The Park Avenue viaduct is a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Metro-North riders and now, riders will benefit from a more reliable ride for decades to come. Completing work on an elevated structure that dates back to the Gilded Age ahead of schedule and under budget shows what’s possible when we modernize our infrastructure and put riders first.”
The Park Avenue Viaduct carries four Metro-North tracks and supports nearly all daily trains entering Manhattan from surrounding counties and Connecticut. Originally built in the 1890s, parts of the structure required significant reconstruction after decades of use.
Phase 1 began in October 2023, focusing on replacing substructure and superstructure components between East 115th Street and East 123rd Street along Park Avenue. The construction used a gantry system over the viaduct to install prefabricated bridge units during weekends without halting train service on adjacent tracks.
Due to this approach—introduced during industry engagement before awarding contracts—the project advanced more quickly than planned. Phase 2, covering East 127th Street to mid-block between East 131st Street and East 132nd Street, started in May 2024 on an accelerated timeline as well.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber stated, “The Park Avenue Viaduct is a prime example of critical MTA infrastructure that had been left to rot for decades — but not anymore. Our 2025-2029 Capital Plan is all about bringing infrastructure into the 21st century, and we look forward to bringing the same innovative and cost-saving approach that has succeeded here to projects all over the system.”
Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek commented, “This replacement project strengthens the backbone of Metro-North’s operations, which carries over 98 percent of all mainline trains. Ensuring the structural integrity and safety of the viaduct is critical to keep running safe and reliable service to and from Grand Central Terminal.”
Jamie Torres-Springer, MTA Construction & Development President, said: “This is a banner day for the new MTA: Delivering a long-overdue infrastructure upgrade ahead of schedule, under budget, and without disrupting riders. Thanks to strong leadership, innovative planning, and smart delivery, we’ve replaced Phase 1 of the Park Avenue Viaduct better, faster and cheaper, and we’re just getting started.”
Tina Vaz from MTA Arts & Design noted: “Jorge Luiz Rodriguez’s ‘Harlem Melodic Moments’ celebrates the rich musical traditions originating in Harlem and their influence on music lovers worldwide. We are delighted to share this monumental work for the enjoyment of the community, Metro-North riders, and passers-by on 116th Street.”
Gary LaBarbera with Building and Construction Trades Council added: “Regular investment in infrastructure is key to moving the region’s economy forward and creating good-paying union careers for working class people. This Phase I milestone…shows … commitment …to modernizing vital infrastructure…and providing our tradesmen …with sustainable career opportunities….By working hand in hand with labor through a Project Labor Agreement…public investment can drive economic growth….”
The contractor Halmar International proposed several innovations following extensive industry engagement prior to contract award.
First steps included building new supports beneath existing sections before removing old portions using movable gantries during weekends—allowing two tracks at a time out-of-service while others remained operational. Prefabricated sections weighing up to about ninety-five tons were installed as replacements; connections were completed by Monday mornings so regular service could resume uninterrupted.
While structural work for Phase One has finished as scheduled—with full completion expected by April 2026—work continues at track level through winter months; substantial completion for Phase Two is anticipated by September 2027.
As part of related improvements at street level near East Harlem’s Park Avenue corridor—including at 116th St—MTA Arts & Design commissioned “Harlem Melodic Moments” by Jorge Luis Rodríguez: gold-outlined medallions depicting Harlem’s diverse musical genres adorn both sides (over 1,150 square feet) of rehabilitated viaduct structures.
Phase One costs total $590 million ($500.9 million federally funded). Additional information about timelines or visual documentation can be found at the project webpage.
Metro-North continues strong performance metrics with annual ridership having doubled since its founding; it remains among America’s busiest commuter railroads as its key structures—including Grand Central Terminal train shed—require ongoing modernization.
