The first segment replaced on the Metro-North Railroad Park Avenue Viaduct project in June 2024
Halmar International installed a gantry system above the structure, allowing entire sections of the concrete and steel deck to be replaced with prefabricated units efficiently. The work was completed over 19 weekends without disrupting Metro-North train service, which runs from New Jersey through Manhattan and the Bronx up to Connecticut.
Phase one of the project finished 21 months ahead of its schedule, and work on the second phase has already started, contributing to the overall 51-month advancement. The MTA emphasized that the approach combined innovative construction methods and effective project management to reduce costs and accelerate delivery.
Janno Lieber, MTA Chief Executive, said: “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.”
The Park Avenue Viaduct project demonstrates the MTA’s commitment to modernizing aging infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted commuter service. The prefabricated deck replacement method minimized service disruptions and shortened construction timelines compared with traditional methods.
By leveraging this innovative approach, the MTA has not only saved significant costs but also enhanced safety and long-term durability for one of its most heavily trafficked rail corridors. The project highlights how modern engineering solutions can address the challenges of maintaining and upgrading century-old transportation assets efficiently.
With both phases progressing, the full replacement of the viaduct will provide a safer, more reliable route for Metro-North passengers, supporting regional connectivity and contributing to the broader modernization efforts outlined in the MTA’s Capital Plan. This milestone sets a benchmark for future infrastructure projects, demonstrating that careful planning, prefabrication, and innovative project management can deliver large-scale transportation upgrades ahead of time and under budget.
