New York Driftshield Project

The New York Debris Shield Project, also known as the Drift Shield, is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiative under the New York Harbor Collection and Removal of Drift Program, aimed at protecting infrastructure and waterways from hazardous debris. The system consists of a safety netting assembly installed under bridges and elevated structures to intercept debris during construction and maintenance.

The Drift Shield system is designed for durability in harsh marine environments, requiring nearly all steel components to be hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A123 standards. Key galvanized items include steel U-hangers, bolts, washers, and nuts (ASTM A325M), wire rope clips (ASTM A36M), welded wire mesh safety netting, border plates, and chain-link fencing (AASHTO M181). Wire rope cables, made from extra improved plow steel with a 3/8-inch diameter and 14,800 lbf breaking strength, provide structural tensioning. This extensive galvanizing specification ensures corrosion resistance and minimizes maintenance compared to painted steel, which was limited to minor interior brackets. The estimated total steel tonnage for the Drift Shield assembly—including frames, mesh, cables, and hardware—is approximately 35 to 50 tons, with 90–95% (about 32–47 tons) hot-dip galvanized. The high percentage of galvanization reflects the project’s exposure to saltwater and the need for long-term performance. By combining robust materials with hot dip galvanizing, the Drift Shield system delivers a reliable solution for debris containment and environmental protection in one of the busiest harbor regions in the United States.