To replace the Southern Tier bridges, New York State will invest $7.1 million

Southern Tier, New York – $7.1 million will be spent by New York State to rebuild a bridge in Schuyler County and two in Steuben County.

The New York State Department of Transportation is spending $2.3 million on a project in the Town of Reading and $4.8 million on a bridge replacement project in the Town of Canisteo, according to the Governor Hochul’s Office. It is anticipated that both of these tax-funded initiatives will improve locals’ and visitors’ safety and mobility along the region’s major thoroughfares.

“Our roads and bridges are a necessary part of daily travel used by local residents, first responders, daily commuters, tourists, and all who travel these roads,” said Assemblymember Phil Palmesano. “I want to thank New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Dominguez and the NYS Department of Transportation for their continued commitment to improving our transportation system.”

Recycled components from the old Tappan Zee Bridge—now known as the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which spans the Hudson River and carries I-287—are being used in the Canisteo project. When the Tappan Zee Bridge was demolished in 2017, the New York State Thruway Authority saved the concrete deck panels so they could be recycled and used to lower the cost of subsequent construction.

In order to replace the bridges that carry state Route 248 across Sugar Creek and Bennetts Creek, NYSDOT is utilizing panels from the Tappan Zee. Bennetts Creek Bridge was constructed in 1974, whereas the Sugar Creek Bridge dates back to 1939. On the site of the Sugar Creek Bridge, newly built abutments will support the deck panels from the Tappan Zee Bridge. A brand-new multi-girder bridge will take the place of the Bennets Creek Bridge. To better endure bad weather, weather-resistant concrete and other materials will be used in the construction of both new bridges. They will also include broader shoulders to accommodate pedestrians and bicycles.

It is anticipated that this project will be completed by October, having begun in early May.

Beginning in early May, the Schuyler County project is anticipated to be finished in October. Workers are rebuilding the bridge that crosses Rock Stream Creek to carry state Route 14A as part of this project. The new bridge is anticipated to last 70 years; the old one was constructed in 1926. There will also be broader shoulders on this bridge.