Case Study: Delay Due to Unexpected Utility Relocations on New York East River Bridge Rehabilitation (New York, NY, 2016)

Project Overview
• Name: East River Bridge Rehabilitation
• Location: New York, New York
• Year: 2016
• Project Size: $520 million
• Scope: Structural repairs and upgrades to a major urban bridge, including utility relocations
• Lead Agencies/Contractors: New York City Department of Transportation /

Category of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
• Utility Relocation
• Project Delay

Summary of the Issue, Problem, or Challenge
Unexpected underground utilities required relocation, causing significant construction delays.

Root Cause Analysis

• Incomplete Utility Mapping: Existing records were outdated or inaccurate.
• Coordination Failures: Poor communication between utility companies and construction team.
• Permitting Delays: Utility relocation permits took longer than expected.
• Construction Sequencing: Delays in utility work cascaded to other construction activities.

Impacts Due to the Issue, Problem, or Challenge

• Project delayed by 9 months.
• Increased costs from extended mobilization and overhead.
• Stakeholder frustration due to prolonged disruptions.

Corrective Actions Taken

1. Updated utility mapping with advanced detection technologies pre-construction.
2. Established dedicated utility coordination teams.
3. Accelerated permitting processes through early engagement with agencies.
4. Revised construction sequencing to minimize dependency on utilities.

Lessons Learned

• Accurate utility data is critical for planning.
• Early and continuous utility coordination reduces delays.
• Flexible sequencing mitigates impact of utility-related issues.

Audit & Prevention: Project Control Questions to Ask on Future Projects to Help Control the Situation

• Has utility mapping been thoroughly verified?
• Are utility companies engaged early and frequently?
• Is construction sequencing flexible to accommodate utility delays?