New York Government starts Prattsville Bridge project in US

TIN news:  The Government of New York has revealed that works have begun to replace Prattsville Bridge carrying Route 23 over the Schoharie Creek in Greene County, US. 

The $13m project is reported to be part of the New York Governors $542m Empire Bridge Programme to rebuild critical infrastructure across New York state.

The Empire Bridge programme that has been designed by the state government to replace 100 ageing structures across the state with new bridges will be more resilient and better able to withstand flooding, which is managed by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT). 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "Across New York, we are rebuilding our vital infrastructure to ensure our roads and bridges are safer, more resilient, and able to help foster future growth.

"This bridge replacement in an area that felt the wrath of Hurricane Irene will help ensure this key roadway will remain in good repair for years to come and be able to withstand what mother nature is able to throw our way." 

The new Prattsville Bridge will be replacing the existing bridge that was built in 1927 over the Schoharie Creek, which was damaged by the Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The new bridge will be built adjacent to the existing bridge and will be 4.5ft higher than the current structure, enabling a wider opening underneath, and accommodating a greater water capacity to prevent future flooding. 

The new bridge will feature wider shoulders and a pavement. 

Authorities intend to commence some initial works in this year, with the majority of works is expected to begin next year and slated for completion in 2019. 

The Prattsville Bridge replacement project also includes the replacement of the smaller Route 23 bridge over the Huntersfield Creek, as well as replacement of two culverts on Route 23 near Greene County Route 2.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll said: "Governor Cuomo understands the link between a strong economy and strong infrastructure, and by committing to these bridge replacements, we are helping to ensure that residents and visitors to Greene County have a reliable and safe transportation network to better withstand extreme weather."

Authorities will be deploying temporary traffic signals over the Huntersfield Creek near the Prattsville Diner in order to accommodate traffic during the project to replace the Route 23 bridge. 

As part of a larger $17m infrastructure project, which is currently underway in the region, a $4.1m investment will be used to replace the Route 42 bridge over the West Kill in the town of Lexington and the Route 296 bridge over the East Kill in the town of Jewett. 

On Route 42, the temporary bridge is expected to be in place in June, while the new bridge is scheduled to be open by the end of this year.