CROWN POINT — New York and Vermont have now agreed that the new Champlain Bridge between Crown Point and Addison, Vt., should use a modified network tied-arch design.
The design-selection process had been reopened after Vermont representatives complained that no bridge selection meetings had been held in their state.
Following a hastily scheduled Jan. 4 public-information session in Vergennes, Vt., public input still overwhelmingly favored the modified network tied-arch design, which somewhat resembles the now-demolished Champlain Bridge.
The modified network tied-arch design is a steel structure with a basket-handle-type arch using network cables and box-tie girders supporting a composite deck.
Those who attended public meetings Dec. 12 in Ticonderoga also voted for the tied-arch bridge out of six possible designs presented.
The New York State Department of Transportation did not release figures on total number of votes but said 80 percent were in favor of the modified network tied-arch design.
The Champlain Bridge Public Advisory Committee, created by New York and Vermont to recommend bridge-replacement alternatives, voted for a modified network tied-arch bridge on Dec. 15.
“The selection of a design concept for the replacement of the Lake Champlain Bridge is a major step in restoring this critical connection between New York and Vermont,” Gov. David Paterson said in a release.
“New York and Vermont’s transportation agencies identified the modified network tied-arch design as the overwhelming favorite of the people who live near and depend on this vital link,” Paterson continued. “The next phase of design work will begin immediately as we continue our efforts to restore this important transportation connection.”
The Champlain Bridge was closed Oct. 16 after severe cracks were found in its concrete pillars. It was classified irreparable and destroyed by controlled explosions Dec. 28.
Design of a new bridge is slated for this winter, with construction to begin in the spring or early summer.
DOT has said a new bridge will be open in 2011.
Work on a temporary, 24-hour ferry next to the bridge site is continuing, with operations scheduled to begin by the end of this month. An Acrow modular ramp was set in place on the New York side Wednesday to be used as a ferry dock.
Vermont Gov. James Douglas also said in a release that his state wants the modified network tied-arch design.
“Both the public and our bridge engineers agree that the modified tied-arch is an outstanding and appropriate design to replace the historic Lake Champlain Bridge. The new bridge will fit easily into the historic surroundings and be a source of pride for residents of both states for years to come.”
The design must also be approved by the Federal Highway Administration, which will fund 80 percent of the cost of the new span. Construction costs are expected to be about $75 million.
The old bridge lasted 80 years, and the new span has a projected life of 75 years.
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at: lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Related Photos
-
This is the modified network tied-arch design recommended by New York, Vermont and the Champlain Bridge Public Advisory Committee for the new Champlain Bridge. Construction is slated to begin later this year.
Discussion
PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.
ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.
Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.
Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.
We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.
Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:
There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.
Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.
Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.
Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)
Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”
Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.
Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.
Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.
In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.
Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.
We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.
Bridge design chosen
- Local News
-
-
Police start criminal investigation into fatal accident
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday.
-
Wife testifies in manslaughter case
In Essex County Court on Wednesday, Angela Rivers said her husband, Michael, told her to keep her mouth shut after he took part in the beating of Robert M. Rennie last August.
-
Tribe eager to reclaim land
A lawsuit filed in 1982 and nearly settled in 2005 will be the starting point for renewed talks between the St. Regis Mohawks and New York state.
-
Tax-Free NY unveiled by governor
Local officials hail initiative that will provide tax-free status to new businesses located on or near universities or colleges in New York.
-
Former Keene councilor still in Essex Co. jail
DA's office says embezzlement case still pending against Lawrence Jaques, who allegedly stole nearly $500,000 from employer.
-
Salmon River School budget passes
Both propositions also approved by voters.
-
Cuomo, St. Regis Mohawk leaders sign casino pact
Franklin County, towns of Bombay and Fort Covington to share $3.75 million in slot-machine profits from Akwesasne casino in exchange for state agreement for exclusivity.
-
Tupper Lake, Newcomb, Minerva budgets fail
All other district budgets pass, although some votes were close.
-
Champlain woman struck and killed by car
Was running with three others on Perry Mills Road in Champlain.
-
Manslaughter trial begins in Essex County Court.
Attorney argues defendant's wife changed her story about what she witnessed when she says her husband and two other men beat Robert Rennie, who died, last August.
-
Police: Two mausoleums breached, remains disturbed
Three caskets in two City of Plattsburgh cemeteries were broken open.
-
Northline Utilities wins $2.1 million job
NYPA chooses AuSable Forks company to relocate a power-transmission line to Alcoa's Massena East plant as part of its modernization plans.
-
Town stops selling DEC sporting licenses
Plattsburgh's investment in new required technology would not pay off, officials say.
-
Science, history focus of education workshop
Participants in the Lake Champlain Basin Education Initiative Workshop will learn techniques to use their local communities in their classroom activities.
-
Ti students help food pantry
The Ticonderoga Food Pantry will get lots of new foods courtesy of Stewart's Shops and Ticonderoga students
-
Program offers summer jobs
Young people who qualify can seek employment through state-funded initiative.
-
Of Interest: May 21, 2013
Take a brief look at news of note from around the North Country.
-
Police start criminal investigation into fatal accident
