Queensboro Bridge
The Queensboro Bridge connects Long Island City in Queens with Midtown and the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Because it is a heavily traveled and highly visible bridge, the project required barrier systems that would protect workers during construction while maintaining the bridge's appearance.
The Challenge
This was an unusually complex fabrication and logistics project. Hundreds of barriers were required for the north fascia, south fascia, median, and portions of the maintenance deck. Every barrier was unique, and the original design could not be manufactured exactly as planned. Project phases and delivery requirements also changed throughout production. MCS had to remain flexible while coordinating fabrication, galvanizing, inspection, assembly, trucking, and precisely scheduled deliveries to a constrained New York City jobsite.
The MCS Approach
MCS processed customer-furnished material and completed the required saw cutting, drilling, welding, galvanizing coordination, and final assembly. Each barrier was galvanized as separate components before returning to MCS for assembly. Because the barriers differed from one another, holes had to be individually located and drilled. Special shipping stands and protective dunnage were developed to secure the finished barriers during transportation. With approximately 12 barriers loaded per truck, every shipment was arranged in a specific unloading sequence and arrived within a designated jobsite window. MCS worked closely with the inspection team to solve fabrication issues as they arose, continually evaluating the design and manufacturing process and developing practical solutions for components that could not be produced as originally detailed.
The Outcome
MCS successfully completed the complicated barrier package and helped keep the larger bridge project moving forward. The finished barriers provided the required worker protection while contributing to a clean appearance on one of New York City's most recognizable bridges.
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