MTA Bridges and Tunnels is pleased to announce that the Morris Street Pedestrian Overpass, which stretches across the Hugh L. Carey Manhattan plaza, is being replaced by a new and improved bridge structure that will open to the public before the end of 2017.

The new bridge will span across the plaza with no piers to allow for better traffic management, be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and will include illuminated handrails and glass panel posts. The old structure will be closed to the public starting the week of July 24, 2017, for demolition, and pedestrians may follow a detour route around Battery Place while the new overpass is under construction. Signage will be in place to direct pedestrians.

“The replacement and upgrade of the Morris Street Overpass will provide pedestrians with a modernized, safe and fully functional foot bridge across the Manhattan Plaza of the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel,” said Cedrick Fulton, MTA Bridges and Tunnels President. “Motorists will also benefit from the new bridge design, as the absence of piers will improve traffic flow across the Manhattan Plaza.”

The Morris Street Overpass is closely linked to the Hugh Carey Tunnel structure. The overpass abutments perform the same function for the plaza as the retaining walls do, which is to support Washington Street and Greenwich Street. The Bridge also enhances pedestrian safety near the tunnel by preventing pedestrians from walking into the tunnel plaza.

The Overpass was built in 1947 by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority (now known as MTA Bridges and Tunnels), but the City retained ownership and control. In early 2017, MTA Bridges and Tunnels entered into an agreement with the City of New York to assume ownership, jurisdiction and control of the Morris Street Pedestrian Overpass.