South Cove Jetty and Pedestrian Bridge Project
This project received the 2020 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies, New York.
Each morning in Battery Park, the South Cove Jetty welcomes a diverse mix of joggers, cyclists, families, and tourists. Designed in the late 1980s by artist Mary Miss, the jetty is a tranquil public space that blends art and nature, offering sweeping views of the Hudson River. Its design incorporates submerged wood pilings and remnants of historic piers, evoking the area’s maritime past and highlighting the hidden infrastructure beneath the water.
After more than 30 years, the timber structure required significant repairs. The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) tasked UrbanNY Engineers with restoring the jetty while preserving its artistic integrity. Their mission: to rehabilitate the pedestrian bridge and jetty without compromising the original vision.
UrbanNY’s assessment revealed extensive deterioration in the decking, bracing, and trellis posts, along with damage to the timber piles in the tidal zone. The team prioritized structural repairs that would maintain the aesthetic and historical elements of the jetty. This included reinforcing piles, replacing decayed timber, and restoring the deck.
To address the deterioration of the pile, UrbanNY developed a splice repair technique and applied a multilayer wrap system to protect the timber from further decay. The pedestrian walkway’s metal railing, initially slated for refurbishment, was found to have severe corrosion in its lower connections. UrbanNY redesigned these connections using corrosion-resistant materials to ensure long-term durability.
The project also presented several engineering challenges. The original construction documents were limited, necessitating adaptive design during construction. Unique timber techniques from the 1980s, such as split-ring connectors in the subfloor, demanded specialized training for the contractor’s crews. These connectors, which distribute shear forces along the wood grain, are rarely used today but were essential to preserving the bridge’s parabolic form.
The jetty’s location added complexity, with many structural elements submerged and only accessible through underwater inspection. Additional deterioration was discovered mid-project, prompting real-time design adjustments by UrbanNY and their diving consultants.
Despite these hurdles, the project was completed only slightly over budget and a few weeks behind schedule. BPCA opted not to hire a separate construction manager, relying instead on UrbanNY’s expertise in marine engineering and construction oversight. The firm provided comprehensive services, including inspections and on-the-fly engineering solutions, ensuring the project met BPCA’s high standards.
This rehabilitation serves as a model for preserving public art within aging infrastructure. It demonstrates how engineering can support cultural heritage while enhancing safety and longevity. The restored South Cove Jetty remains a beloved destination, now reinforced for future generations to enjoy.
By blending technical innovation with artistic sensitivity, UrbanNY’s work on the South Cove Jetty highlights the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in public space restoration, especially in challenging marine environments.
Battery Park City Authority (BPCA)
South Cove Jetty and Pedestrian Bridge Project
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