54th Street Bridge and East Midtown Greenway by Rosales +

Introduction

The East 54th Street Bridge is a groundbreaking addition to New York City’s waterfront, redefining connectivity and urban design. This important pedestrian and bicycle link in midtown Manhattan connects the East Midtown Greenway, a continuous public waterfront esplanade over the East River, to 54th Street and Sutton Place South. As the first tied-arch bridge over the FDR Drive, it exemplifies innovation and collaboration, overcoming numerous challenges to create a seamless connection between the city and its waterfront.

Design Features

The 54th Street Bridge features a clean-span tied-arch design with inclined arches and integrated fencing, offering open, unobstructed views of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and Queens. The elegant 115-foot span connects to a 40-foot-wide esplanade that is both parklike and functional, with extensive vegetation, shade trees, and separate pathways for pedestrians and cyclists to avoid circulation conflicts.

The approach ramps, designed with ADA compliance in mind, follow a curvilinear alignment that minimizes impact on the adjacent Sutton Place Park. S-shaped geometries were used for visual appeal and to preserve the park’s functionality. The ramps and bridge railings were designed to complement the surrounding architecture, while the fencing was seamlessly integrated into the arches to reduce visual impact. The bridge’s steel superstructure was treated with a zinc-rich coating for durability in the waterfront environment, while the concrete walls were enhanced with vertical rustications and light-colored stains to blend with the area’s aesthetics.

Challenges and Solutions

Building a pedestrian bridge over the FDR Drive, one of New York City’s busiest highways, posed significant challenges. The design team had to:

• Increase vehicular clearance over the FDR.
• Build deep foundations in the East River without disrupting navigation.
• Minimize traffic disruptions, limiting highway closures to just a few hours at a time.

The tied-arch bridge was fabricated in Nova Scotia, transported via barge to Brooklyn, and assembled off-site. It was hoisted into place during a single overnight shift, ensuring minimal interruption to traffic. The access ramps were driven approximately 110 feet deep and socketed into bedrock to ensure stability.

Sustainability and Impact

The East 54th Street Bridge and East Midtown Greenway exemplify New York City’s commitment to sustainability and alternative transportation. By providing a safe, car-free connection between midtown Manhattan and the East River waterfront, the project promotes walking and cycling, reduces pollution, and enhances urban green spaces. Landscaping with native plants and shade trees further minimizes the visual impact of the retaining walls and enhances the park-like setting.

The bridge and esplanade have quickly become a hub for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a scenic and functional way to navigate the city. Spanning approximately nine city blocks, the waterfront pathways provide a serene escape with lush vegetation and breathtaking views.

Conclusion

The East 54th Street Bridge is more than just a crossing—it is a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. By seamlessly integrating with its surroundings and meeting the stringent requirements of multiple agencies, the project has transformed the cityscape, connecting Manhattan to its waterfront like never before. This iconic structure sets a new benchmark in urban design, functionality, and environmental stewardship, exceeding expectations in both form and function.

• Project typology:

Infrastructure

• All landscape architecture offices involved in the design of landscape:

Stantec

• Architecture offices involved in the design:

Rosales +