Toronto firm designs structure over Manhattan railway hub

Entuitive of Toronto is the structural engineer for an innovative transportation project over a railway track New York City.

The Manhattan West Platform is the first stage in a commercial development project to reclaim 2.6 acres of land over the busiest commuter rail corridor in North America. Working with the existing footprint required a new approach to delivering a transportation solution to the busy metropolis.

Set to open in 2014, the platform will serve as the foundation for a plaza and public space over previously uncovered railway tracks. The plaza is part of a new 5.4-million sq.ft. office development in west Manhattan.

The project requires constant coordination with Amtrak and the Long Island Railway, and with the design and construction of Amtrak’s new high-speed rail terminal at Moynihan Station, directly east of the site.

Brookfield Properties retained Entuitive to design the foundations and platform support beams, and to develop the structural design of the long-span platform. The design involves a 240-ft. span platform structure using post-tensioned precast technology, a rarity among commercial construction projects.