New York State spends $7.1 million to replace Southern Tier bridges

SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. ( WETM ) — New York State is spending $7.1 million to replace two bridges in Steuben County and a bridge in Schuyler County.

According to Governor Hochul’s Office, the New York State Department of Transportation is using $4.8 million on a bridge replacement project in the Town of Canisteo and $2.3 million on a project in the Town of Reading. Both of these tax-funded projects are expected to enhance safety and mobility for residents and tourists along important roadways in the region.

“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.”

The Canisteo project is using recycled materials from the former Tappan Zee Bridge (now the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which carries I-287 over the Hudson River). The New York State Thruway Authority set aside concrete deck panels from the Tappan Zee Bridge when it was deconstructed in 2017 so they could be reused and reduce the cost of future projects.

NYSDOT is using panels from the Tappan Zee on the project to replace the bridges that carry state Route 248 over Sugar Creek and Bennetts Creek. The Sugar Creek Bridge was built in 1939, and the Bennetts Creek Bridge was built in 1974. The deck panels from the Tappan Zee Bridge will be placed on newly constructed abutments on the site of the Sugar Creek Bridge. The Bennets Creek Bridge will be replaced by a new multi-girder bridge. Both of the new bridges will use weather resistant concrete and other materials to help them better withstand severe weather. They’ll also have wider shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians. This project started at the beginning of May and is expected to be finished in October.

The Schuyler County project also started at the beginning of May and is expected to be completed in October. This project involves crews replacing the bridge that carries state Route 14A over Rock Stream Creek. The original bridge was built in 1926, and the new one is expected to last for 70 years. This bridge will also have wider shoulders.

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