The High Line – Moynihan Connector exemplifies urban infrastructure that combines sustainable design with innovative engineering. Led by Empire State Development, Brookfield Properties, and Friends of the High Line, this project has played an important role in transforming New York City’s Midtown West into a more connected and accessible area. As part of a broader vision to improve pedestrian mobility, the Connector links Penn Station, Hudson Yards, and the High Line, allowing for smoother pedestrian flow and easier access to key destinations.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and James Corner Field Operations, the 600-foot elevated bridge also redefines urban mobility and public space. This project represents a decade of transformation, turning a formerly industrial area into a mixed-use space.
Innovative Bridge Structures
A key feature of the Connector is its two bridges: the Timber Bridge and the Woodland Bridge. Metropolitan Walters installed the Timber Bridge, which combines Alaskan yellow cedar wood with steel connections. This integration uses the strengths of both materials to make the bridge durable and functional.
The Timber Bridge spans 260 feet and is constructed as a glulam Warren truss made from sustainably sourced Alaskan yellow cedar wood. A glulam Warren truss is a type of truss made from glued laminated timber (glulam) and is characterized by using equilateral triangles to distribute loads evenly across the structure. The use of glulam, which involves layering and gluing together strips of wood, allows for the construction of large structural elements from smaller pieces of timber.
The Woodland Bridge is 340 feet long and has a tree-lined path with deep soil beds for large trees, offering shade and enhancing the pedestrian experience. This design blends natural elements with urban infrastructure.
Connections and Installation
Installing the Timber Bridge needed careful coordination and planning for proper assembly and alignment. A key challenge was making sure the steel and timber connections were strong to ensure structural integrity and meet bridge code requirements. The use of Alaskan yellow cedar presented difficulties due to its softness. To address this, connections were designed to be weather-protected and positioned to prevent water wicking, with sacrificial zones allowing for repairs without compromising the bridge’s structure.
Logistical challenges were also significant as the bridge was constructed over an active roadway, which could not be closed for more than 36 hours. To overcome this, the 260-foot bridge was constructed in two sections at a different location and then transported into position using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) and two 500-ton mobile cranes. Metropolitan Walters’ careful planning and execution ensured the successful installation of the Timber Bridge, seamlessly integrating timber and steel in a bustling environment.
A Symbol of Sustainable Urban Design
The High Line – Moynihan Connector demonstrates innovative urban design through the integration of steel and timber. By combining Alaskan yellow cedar with steel, the project achieves both durability and sustainability. The Timber Bridge’s design showcases how traditional and modern materials can work together to create durable and impactful infrastructure.
Metropolitan Walters’ expertise in steel was key to the safe and successful installation of these materials. Their precise work ensured that the bridge met structural requirements, providing durability and functionality in its final placement.
Overall, the High Line – Moynihan Connector has enhanced Midtown West and sets a practical example of how different materials can be used together in modern infrastructure projects to achieve both functionality and sustainability.
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