Repairs Will Enhance Safety, Ensure Efficient Access within Communities, and Strengthen Overall Tourism and Shipping Corridors
Investment Complements «Southern Tier Soaring» – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced work will soon begin on $6.2 million in bridge and pavement repairs in the Southern Tier. The work, set to begin in April, includes three separate projects in Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties to replace a bridge and two bridge decks, pave and make general preventive maintenance bridge repairs.
«In every corner of New York, we are making targeted investments in our infrastructure, building the foundation for a transportation network that will meet the needs of a 21st century economy,» Governor Cuomo said. «These projects will enhance safety, ensure efficient access within communities, support local commerce and keep the Southern Tier soaring for years to come.»
«We’re investing in infrastructure projects across the state to support improvements to our transportation systems,» said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. «This funding will replace and repair bridges in the Southern Tier to increase public safety and enhance the travel experience. This work complements our efforts as part of the Southern Tier Soaring economic development strategy to continue to grow the economy of the area.»
The projects include:
$2.4 million to rehabilitate the bridge carrying County Route 56 over Interstate 86 in the town of Chemung, Chemung County
$2.8 million to replace the bridge carrying State Route 14 over Sullivan Glen Creek and restore pavement on State Route 14 in the town of Montour, Schuyler County
$1 million to rehabilitate the bridge carrying Interstate 390 northbound over County Route 7 in the town of Avoca, Steuben County
In coordination with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, the projects have been designed to minimize traffic impacts.
Senator Tom O’Mara said, «New York State’s ongoing investment in the improvement and rehabilitation of local roads and bridges across the Southern Tier is critical. It strengthens the foundation of local communities and economies, and we are grateful for the Department of Transportation’s commitment to completing these projects.»
Assemblyman Phil Palmesano said, «The state’s recognition over the past several years of the importance of local transportation infrastructure will continue making a significant difference for local governments, economies, property taxpayers, and motorists across the Southern Tier. We appreciate the Department of the Transportation’s ongoing work on these vital bridge repair and rehabilitation priorities.»
County Route 56 over I-86
This project involves removing and replacing the concrete deck and pier, as well as eliminating bridge joints to reduce future maintenance needs. The work will result in a smoother ride for motorists, while enhancing safety and ensuring continued access to a small Southern Tier community.
Located at the southeastern corner of Chemung County, this bridge carries traffic over I-86 at Exit 59A near Pennsylvania border. The exit was added to then-Route 17 in 1975 to provide access to the area from within New York State after Hurricane Agnes washed out nearby bridges.
During construction, two-way traffic on Route 56 will be maintained in a single lane with a temporary traffic signal. Single lane closures will be necessary on I-86. Access to a truck stop and warehousing facility at the interchange will be maintained throughout construction.
The project will wrap up by the end of 2020.
Route 14
This essential Southern Tier roadway will be repaved from the Schuyler County line to the village of Montour Falls, and the bridge over Sullivan Glen Creek will be replaced. Easily accessed from I-86, State Route 14 runs through the town of Montour – the southern gateway to Seneca Lake and the Finger Lakes region. As one of the primary state roadways carrying traffic through Schuyler county, it is integral to the delivery of resources to the diversified assortment of businesses and tourism opportunities in this region.
Two-way traffic will be maintained during paving operations in a single lane controlled by flaggers.
Bridge replacement work will begin this summer and be completed in the fall. The new bridge will be higher and longer to increase the water opening and protect against future flooding. Traffic will be diverted onto a temporary bridge during demolition of the existing bridge and construction of the new bridge.
The contract contains requirements that limit the number of days for the detour bridge, timing of the paving and date restrictions for area events. All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.
I-390 over County Route 7
The concrete bridge deck and barrier on the I-390 northbound bridge will be removed and replaced. The rehabilitation will ensure a smooth riding surface on the road and extend the service life of the bridge. The southbound bridge deck was replaced in 2003.
Located at the southern end of I-390, this bridge carries traffic connecting with I-86, the Southern Tier’s main transportation corridor for commerce and tourism. This repair work is integral to restoring the bridge to good condition and providing a smoother ride.
Traffic on Interstate 390 will be reduced to a single lane wide enough to continue handling the majority of shipping through the corridor. Work on the project should be complete in late summer 2019.
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
For up-to-date travel information, call 511 or download the free 511NY app, available from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
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Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today’s announcement complements «Southern Tier Soaring the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.2 billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Binghamton, Johnson City and Corning as a destination in which to grow and invest. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.