A $7.5 million project began Monday to replace a 72-year-old bridge over the New York State Thruway near Syracuse.
The Townline Road bridge, which carries 12,400 vehicles daily, will be replaced with a new span featuring increased vertical clearances to limit bridge strikes. Other safety improvements include new drainage, guiderail, a pedestrian crosswalk and snow fence.
Tioga Construction Company, a Herkimer-based firm, was awarded the contract for the project. Construction, which is weather dependent, is expected to be completed this fall.
“As construction season begins, New York is investing in infrastructure projects to replace and rehabilitate bridges on our roadways which will enhance safety for motorists for decades to come,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “This bridge replacement project in central New York will improve travel and connectivity in the community, and strengthen our transportation network.”
The bridge, which is in the towns of DeWitt and Salina, was built in 1953 — a year before the Thruway opened to motorists.
While the bridge is closed, there will be a 3.8-mile detour for motorists. The north side of Townline Road will be closed at Vincent Drive. Traffic will be detoured on East Molloy Road.
On the south side, Townline Road will be closed at Factory Avenue and eastbound traffic will be detoured south to Military Circle. Northbound traffic will be detoured to Factory Avenue.
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