MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Comprehensive Tunnel Inspection and Design Services for Project QM-40, Tunnel Leak Control at the Queens Midtown Tunnel
The Queens Midtown Tunnel (QMT) is a highway, tunnel and toll road in New York City and serves as a major connection between midtown Manhattan and Queens. It crosses under the East River and connects the Borough of Queens with the borough of Manhattan. The tunnel consists of twin tubes carrying four traffic lanes and is 6,414 feet long.
The QMT is a vital connection between Queens and Manhattan that was temporarily cutoff by the torrents of Superstorm Sandy. The QMT was completely inundated with sea water for a length of about 3,350 feet at the south tube and 3,250 feet in the north tube with water during Superstorm Sandy. As part of Storm Sandy improvements TBTA under emergency contract assigned tasked AECOM along with SEPC to perform comprehensive inspection and rehabilitation design of QMT.
SEPC as a subconsultant performed visual and hands-on inspection of potential hazards in the tunnel post Superstorm Sandy and to provide structural solutions to observed defects. The inspection was conducted for both tunnel tubes, roadways, fresh air ducts, exhaust air ducts, catwalks, ceilings, salt dome, and side walls. Based upon inspection findings and scope of work we worked on the development of design alternatives for the tunnel rehabilitation. The work included preliminary design, final design (PS&E) and bid package. We also provided construction support services until the project completion in 2018.
