UrbanTech
Simple. Safe. Efficient.

A hundred years of evolution of bridge technology set the backdrop as the skyline of New York dramatically transforms over the years. It is not an exaggeration to say that advances in structural engineering have facilitated numerous spectacular bridges that are aesthetically pleasing, safe, functional, and economical—changing the way people move, live, and work. The last two decades have witnessed several high-profile projects undertaken to rebuild the aging infrastructure through restoration and modernization of bridges, which continue to redefine the stunning skyline.

A multitude of leading structural design and construction companies are involved in the design and construction of these major infrastructure up-gradation projects underway. Given the scale of the projects, these general contractors often face challenges in delivering projects that are high quality, within deadlines and stipulated budgets. Moreover, they also have to take into consideration the vital importance of limiting the complexity of the designs so that it is feasible and easy for construction companies,all while keeping the cost in check.

It is here that the New York-based UrbanTech makes a mark with its edge in developing ingenious engineering solutions for the most complex construction challenges.With a stellar reputation in the greater New York Metropolitan area, UrbanTech, as a boutique engineering firm with its strong focus on delivering practical engineering solutions, has become the go-to consultancy provider for the major construction players in the industry. Founded by Wei Wang in 1999, UrbanTech primary services include infrastructure engineering, building design, fabrication drawing, and building information modeling.

UrbanTech has to its credit several noteworthy projects such as the restoration of important bridges including the Manhattan Bridge, Goethals Bridge, Third Avenue Bridge, and, more recently, raising the Bayonne Bridge’s main span and the reconstruction of Atlantic Avenue Viaduct. The firm has also worked on well-known transit infrastructure projects such as New York City’s LaGuardia Airport and the brand new Moynihan Train Hall.

What distinguishes UrbanTech apart from other structural engineering firms is the tech-driven and innovative approach they bring to all of their projects. For example, Wang recalls one of their more technically challenging projects, the Kosciuszko Bridge main span demolition, for which the UrbanTech was retained by the general contractor Skanska-Kiewit-ECCO III JV to provide engineering services. Although the UrbanTech team had to overcome numerous technical challenges, their proposal to lower the main span onto a barge using a jacking tower with a jack house and strand jacks in a controlled fashion proved successful.
Although generating designs that are simple and functional is the hallmark of UrbanTech, they have added safety and efficiency to the KISS principle of design. UrbanTech team’s prowess also extends to comprehending the design intent, providing the design engineer with the best solution, and collaborating with the building contractors to build a structure that fulfills the original design intent. “We act as a bridge in bridging the gap between the principal designer and the builder,” says Wang.

The bedrock of UrbanTech has always been technology and a highly qualified workforce. The company has transitioned from the tradition 2D CAD drafting to the new 3D BIM design as well as providing CNC files directly to the client to accelerate fabrication. “People first is our company’s core asset,” Wang adds, crediting their success to their small but highly skilled team. UrbanTech fosters an employee-centric culture and imparts on-the-job training programs that help employees reach their professional goals and pursue advanced degrees. One of the company’s most notable aspects is that more than 60 percent of its work force are licensed professional engineers, and more than 80 percent have advanced degrees.

As the construction industry comes out of the shadow of the pandemic, Wang is looking forward to the passing of the new infrastructure bill, which will turn the wheels of modernization rapidly. To this end, UrbanTech, in anticipation of the large-scale infrastructure projects coming its way, is upgrading its equipment, software and design library and recruiting new talent to be at the forefront of the next technology and infrastructure revolution.