The earthquake hazard of New York City was revised recently based on the recommendation of a group of seismologists. The maximum acceleration of bedrock for earthquake of 2500-year return period ranges from 0.2g ~ 0.33g, depending on bedrock stiffness. The input acceleration may amplify considerably if a thick layer of soil exists above the bedrock. This level of earthquake should be considered in the evaluation and retrofit of New York City’s critical transportation infrastructure, including bridges as well as underground highway and subway tunnels.
