FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE03-47
September
5, 2003
Contact:
Ian Michaels
(718) 595-6600
New
Schoharie Bridge Officially Opened On Route 990V In Gilboa, NY
Ribbon
Cutting At Dedication Of $3.9 Million Structure
New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner
Christopher O. Ward was among the guests who cut the ribbon today to signify
the opening of the new Schoharie Bridge on Route 990V in Gilboa, New York.
The ribbon-cutting was followed by a reception at Gilboa Town Hall.
The new bridge, which was replaced by the DEP as part of its Upstate
Bridge Reconstruction Program, cost $3.9 million. The two-lane, 225-foot
span replaces a 1921 bridge that has only one lane, an insufficient weight
limit and is in poor condition. The new bridge is also three feet higher
than the old bridge, which had its deck submerged in January 1996 during
a major flood.
“The new Schoharie Bridge in Gilboa is an example of New York City’s
commitment and our partnership with upstate communities to create better
facilities throughout the watershed,” said Commissioner Ward. “Overall,
the Department of Environmental Protection will spend over $120 million
to upgrade or replace 34 bridges and miles of roadway by the year 2009.
We look forward to working with more communities to bring these benefits
to residents throughout the watershed.”
|
Left
to right, John Healy, Vice President of D. A. Collins
Construction Co., Inc.; Commissioner Christopher. O. Ward;
Jim Brown, Supervisor of the Town of Gilboa; and Alan Rosa, Executive
Director of the Catskill Watershed Corporation at ribbon-cutting ceremony. |
So far, six bridges have been rebuilt or replaced under the Bridge Reconstruction
Program, including the Schoharie Bridge. Another 28 upgrades or replacements
are currently in design. Following the completion of the Program in 2009,
the DEP will focus on another 14 bridges that were not included in the Program
to determine what needs exist at those sites.
Construction on the new Schoharie Bridge, which opened to traffic on
August 21, began in March 2002. It is a steel tied arch structure built
to NYSDOT standards a short distance north of the old bridge. In addition
to being wider, higher and stronger, the new bridge is a single span and
has no pier, which will eliminate the scouring problem and debris build-up
experienced by the old bridge. The design of the new bridge was also approved
by the New York City Art Commission.
Also attending the ribbon cutting ceremony today were: Jim Brown, Supervisor
of the Town of Gilboa; Alan Rosa, Executive Director of the Catskill Watershed
Corporation; and John Healy, Vice President of D. A. Collins Construction
Co., Inc., which was the construction manager of the job.