Assemblymember Brindisi Accelerates State Funding to Replace Bridge in Marcy

September 20, 2013

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced that he’s been able to accelerate the $3.36 million in state funding to replace the Route 291 bridge over Nine Mile Creek in Marcy. Construction was initially slated to begin in the fall of 2015, with completion in the fall of 2016, but the bridge has been identified as a priority project by the state Department of Transportation and construction will now be expedited to begin next year.

“This deteriorating bridge needs to be replaced as soon as possible to ensure it’s no longer put at risk by any future floods,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “I felt that this bridge replacement needed to be a top priority to ensure the safety and well-being of the families and motorists who rely on it every day.”

According to recent findings, 65,605 bridges in the federal government’s National Bridge Inventory are deemed to be “structurally deficient” and in need of rehabilitation or replacement. Another 20,808 bridges are classified as “fracture critical,” putting them at risk of collapse if a single, vital component fails. Approximately 7,795 bridges nationwide fall into both categories, with more than 400 of these in New York.^{1 2}

“Route 291 is a significant corridor for residents and state workers alike,” Marcy Town Supervisor Brian Scala said. “This funding will significantly move up the start date for a project that is badly needed, and it is very much appreciated.”

The current Route 291 bridge in Marcy has been reduced to a single lane with alternating one-way traffic. The proposed project will completely replace the current structure with a single-span steel multi-girder, integral abutment bridge with two 11’ lanes and 6’ shoulders for a clear roadway width of 34 feet. One of the project’s objectives is to remove the bridge from the high risk flood watch list.

The NY Works program has expedited priority infrastructure programs and brought millions of dollars in supplemental transportation aid to the Mohawk Valley since it was first established last year, Assemblymember Brindisi noted. Utica recently received $6 million through the program to upgrade storm sewers.

1. bigstory.ap.org/article/ap-impact-many-us-bridges-old-risky-and-rundown-1

2. online.wsj.com/article/APebbb5fe97e5a4f698caaded113c84fc8.html

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