Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, announced it has been selected by the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) as the design-builder to deliver the East Side Greenway 14th Street Connector project.
The approximately $163 million design-build project will eliminate a long-standing gap in Manhattan's waterfront greenway network by replacing the existing narrow "pinch point" with a wider, more accessible connection between East River Park and Captain Patrick J. Brown Walk. DDC is managing the project on behalf of NYC Parks.
"The East Side Greenway 14th Street Connector represents an important investment in New York City's public infrastructure and waterfront," said Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president — general manager, Skanska USA Building. "We're proud to be playing an integral role in delivering a project that will improve safety, expand access to open space and create a more connected, resilient and accessible waterfront for New Yorkers for generations to come."
“Everyone who has walked, jogged or biked through the current 'pinch-point' on the 14th Street pathway next to the FDR knows how challenging it can be and how much this new greenway is needed,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “This new overwater path will create a continuous and comfortable route, giving cyclists and pedestrians more room and a safer, more enjoyable connection. This recent award to Skanska and Claire Weisz Architects LLP brings us one step closer to a truly usable, uninterrupted waterfront greenway for all New Yorkers.”
The project will construct a new over-water segment of the East Side Greenway adjacent to the FDR Drive, creating a continuous, multi-use corridor for pedestrians and cyclists traveling along Manhattan's East River waterfront.
Designed to replace the constrained existing pathway, the new connector will provide a significantly wider path capable of accommodating safe, two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic while improving overall accessibility along this heavily traveled corridor. The project will eliminate one of the final critical gaps in Manhattan's East River Greenway, improving connectivity between East River Park and Captain Patrick J. Brown Walk while expanding public access to the waterfront.
As part of the project, Skanska and its design partner, Claire Weisz Architects LLP (WXY), will design and construct the foundations, piers and structural superstructure supporting the new over-water greenway. The team will also coordinate integration with existing waterfront infrastructure and utilities, including work adjacent to Con Edison facilities, while delivering public amenities such as seating, drinking fountains and waste receptacles. Throughout the design and construction process, the team will work closely with City agencies and the local community to ensure the project reflects neighborhood priorities while minimizing impacts during construction.
Utilizing New York City's design-build procurement model, the project leverages Skanska's integrated approach to design and construction, enabling early collaboration between designers and builders, improving coordination, efficiency and cost certainty. The model is expected to accelerate delivery by approximately two years compared with traditional design-bid-build approach.
Once complete, the East Side Greenway 14th Street Connector will close one of the final critical gaps in Manhattan's East River Greenway, providing safer, uninterrupted travel between neighborhoods and parks while expanding public access to the waterfront for recreation, commuting and everyday use. The project supports New York City's broader vision for a more resilient, connected and climate-conscious waterfront while creating lasting transportation and public space improvements for residents and visitors alike.
