Construction Innovation

Innovations to Reduce Construction Time and Impacts

The Authority will follow the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Accelerated Construction Technology Transfer (ACTT) initiative, delivering a safe, efficient, and innovative deck replacement.

ACTT is a process that aims to streamline project schedules and contain costs while enhancing safety and improving quality in corridor projects. ACTT workshops bring together multidisciplinary teams of national transportation experts to evaluate projects in order to shorten construction time, and improve safety and quality.

In June 2005, experts from around the country joined the Authority's transportation professionals in an intensive, two-day conference focused on the Tappan Zee Bridge Deck Replacement. The nationwide team affirmed the Authority's approach, which involves the use of prefabricated systems.  The team also made recommendations that would save time and money while reducing construction-related congestion and improving work zone safety.

According to the FHWA, "using these prefabricated systems reduces the traffic congestion and environmental impacts of bridge construction projects and improves construction zone safety for both workers and drivers. And because prefabrication can be accomplished in a controlled environment offsite, without the limitations that a job site may present, constructability is improved, quality is increased and the costs can be lower."

FHWA selected the Deck Replacement Project for this workshop’s focus because of:

• the immediate need for the repairs;
• the function of the bridge as a lifeline structure connecting New York City to points north and west;
• the limitations imposed by an unremitting traffic stream; and
• the magnitude of the project.

Review a copy of FHWA’s ACTT report from the June workshop (PDF, 49 pages/957 Kb).

For more information on ACTT, please visit FHWA's website at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/accelerated/.