We have kickoff! Thanks to Mayor Bloomberg, the restoration of the High Bridge is advancing as part of the City’s PlaNYC initiative. The early support of Congressman José E. Serrano was critical; we thank him and all of the bridge’s advocates in the Bronx, Manhattan and beyond.

This project is currently in design, with construction anticipated to start in late Summer 2011. The goals of the design are to:

• Rehabilitate and reopen the High Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists
• Provide safety and accessibility improvements
• Restore the connection between the Bronx and Manhattan, and improve access to nearby parks and park facilities
• Preserve and highlight the history of the City’s oldest standing bridge

After a comprehensive consultant selection process, the Department of Parks & Recreation has retained the firm of Lichtenstein Engineering Consultants, P.C., as the lead firm in a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, architects and historic preservation specialists to design the restoration of the High Bridge. We have also decided to partner with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, gaining their expertise in citywide bridge and structural rehabilitation.

Design

The project began Pre-Design work this March, with hands-on inspections and analysis of the bridge’s condition.

The project will begin Schematic Design work following the Pre-Design analysis.

This meeting will include

• Design overview
• Design for user safety
• Events and programming