CROWN POINT — New York state and Vermont announced Monday that they have finalized a bi-state agreement to replace or repair the Champlain Bridge between Crown Point and Chimney Point, Vt.
Years of delayed maintenance on the 2,184-foot-long bridge have left it in deteriorating structural shape, and an environmental impact statement must be completed before any work commences.
The HTNB Corp. of New York City was selected as the design consultant for the project.
The Champlain Bridge opened in 1929 as a toll bridge connecting New York and Vermont across Lake Champlain.
Many local leaders want the historic multi-truss bridge rehabilitated before its condition worsens.
The most recent repairs to the bridge were completed in late 2008, and included removing loose concrete, doweling reinforcement into existing concrete and pouring new concrete pier caps. A yellow flag warning that had been placed on the bridge was then taken off.
According to the State Department of Transportation, HTNB will first do an evaluation of the bridge to determine the feasibility of rehabilitation and the cost.
DOT spokesman Peter Van Keuren said all options will be identified and evaluated, and public input solicited before any decisions are made.
Van Keuren said the study will also address the potential impact of rehabilitation or replacement on motorists. Statistics show about 3,400 vehicles a day crossing the bridge in both directions.
“The project is in a preliminary planning stage,” he said. “Construction is tentatively planned to begin in 2013.”
He said a public advisory committee was set up to review the project, comprised of community members from the towns around the bridge on both sides of Lake Champlain. Business, agricultural and environmental groups are also represented on the committee, Van Keuren said.
Public informational meetings will be scheduled during the design phase to gather community input, he said.
“The bridge’s condition will continued to be monitored during the development of this project, to ensure the safety of the traveling public.”
The project to address the bridge’s deteriorating condition started in 2006, as a joint operation of the DOT and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.
The bridge is owned by both New York and Vermont, although New York has been entrusted with the bridge’s maintenance. Under a prior agreement, the two states would share the cost of major rehabilitation or replacement.
The Adirondack Architectural Heritage group is actively advocating for preservation and rehabilitation of the Champlain Bridge, AARCH Executive Director Steven Engelhart said.
“We have argued that this option would not only save an important regional landmark, but early indications are that it would be the least costly, result in minimal disruption in traffic during reconstruction. It could be brought to completion the quickest of any alternative, and it’s consistent with New York state’s policies regarding the preservation of its engineering legacy.”
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:
lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
Local News
NY, Vt. agree to Crown Point bridge project
- Breaking News
-
-
Westport fire guts home
Teens escape early morning fire, but cats likely perished.
-
- New Today
-
-
Town hiring notice causes confusion
The Town of Malone's attempt to contract with an administrator for a business-loan program may not have followed state-grant guidelines.
-
Saranac Lake restaurant to reopen Saturday
Asian Buffet Hibachi and Sushi has been closed since a sprinkler system malfunctioned Dec. 19, 2011.
-
Town hiring notice causes confusion
- Local News
-
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
Plattsburgh meeting to address concerns of area child care providers being hit with a fee for union representation even though they never joined the union.
-
Essex County craves sales-tax hike
The extra ¼ percent would bring total sales tax to 8 percent, like neighboring counties.
-
Ernie's Market closes without warning
A sign on the door of the popular Westport store expresses appreciation "to all of our loyal customers."
-
Boy released from hospital following serious injury
Firefighters had to extricate 10-year-old Dawson Dessureault from a car involved in a crash Friday, Feb. 3.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
Council: state budget cuts threaten Adirondacks
Adirondack Council calls for an immediate increase in the state's Environmental Protection Fund and in EnCon staffing.
-
Elizabethtown wastewater plans updated
It is expected that it will take about six months to have the necessary paperwork filed, get permits, receive responses from the property owners to determine hookup locations and get easements.
-
Fort Ti brings in more money
Donations at the national historic landmark increased by 12 percent last year.
-
Saranac Lake sparkles
The Winter Carnival continues through Sunday.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 8, 2012
Clinton Co. Sheriff's Office investigating lost restaurant money; Peruvian arrested at Champlain border.
-
Seniors click toward computer literacy
The Clinton County Senior Computer Club is a great way for seniors to learn computer basics at the Senior Center.
- February 7, 2012
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
The 2 percent deduction from Social Services stipends helps pay for advocacy efforts by the Voice of Organized Independent Child Care Educators. A meeting in Plattsburgh on Thursday will address that issue and others.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
New Essex County courtroom has security issues
There's no line of sight between the judge's bench and the witness stand, so renovations must be made.
-
Meeting of the minds on fake pot
Students were among those who spoke up at a session in Essex County, helping to make a plan to combat the dangers of synthetic marijuana.
-
State considers bobcat management plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comments on a plan that will help officials adjust hunting and trapping seasons for the species statewide.
-
Two displaced in Westville fire
A woodstove is likely the cause of a blaze that left a farmhouse a total loss, just months after being purchased by an engaged couple.
-
Report: Power project to create many jobs
Champlain Hudson Power Express project is also expected to increase New York state's gross domestic product.
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
- Recent Article Comments
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
