Originally built in 1938, the existing East 138^th Street Bridge is being replaced to eliminate vertical clearance issues and optimize vehicle and pedestrian traffic demands. NYSDOT wanted to use a digital twin as the primary construction document. Although the bridge seemed uncomplicated at first glance, the team had to overcome many complex traffic, utility, geotechnical, and structural design challenges. Located in the heavily congested area outside Yankee Stadium in New York City, the team needed to create the construction sequencing plan and accommodate existing utilities, compounded by COVID-19. They needed a hybrid modeling approach to generate a digital twin of the complex superstructure and pedestrian components as part of a legal contract document.

Already familiar with Bentley applications, they used OpenBridge Modeler, OpenRoads Designer, and ProSteel to generate an accurate 3D model. iTwin Design Review provided a central platform for over 180 reviewers, providing the team with many options that are not available in 2D review. Bentley’s integrated technology helped identify and resolve costly issues prior to construction. Instead of participants having to review hundreds of paper documents, SYNCHRO 4D allowed them to build a 4D simulation to depict construction staging, facilitating visual and dynamic construction sequencing and traffic control planning for better project coordination. The video created using SYNCHRO was also used for public outreach, ensuring that information was easily understood. This project is one of the most sophisticated transportation projects to be delivered with model-based contracting in the United States, and the digital twin is an important tool for future asset management and bridge inspection.