New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday that a $21.1 million project to replace bridges on the Adirondack Northway (I-87) is underway.
The two-year project will replace twin spans between Exits 22 and 23 with a single structure. The project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow, as well as enhance resiliency along a traffic artery crucial for people and commerce in the North Country and Adirondacks.
“We are laser focused on rebuilding our infrastructure and ensuring that our transportation network remains safe — helping boost our economy and allowing communities to thrive,” Hochul said. “This project will improve travel on a critically important thoroughfare in the North Country and help keep New Yorkers, visitors and commerce on the move for decades to come.”
The new bridge will be built between the two existing bridges and will have an expected lifespan of 75 years.
“Governor Hochul is making unprecedented investments in infrastructure across New York that will help bring people together and fuel the economic growth that will allow our communities to prosper,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “The Northway is an economic engine that helps drive commerce for the North Country, Capital Region and beyond, so it is imperative that we do all we can to make sure this vital roadway is ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century, allowing people and goods to get where they need to go safely and efficiently.”
The new bridge will be a two-span, multi-girder, steel bridge with a concrete deck, and be 323-feet long. During construction two of the three travel lanes in each direction will be maintained, although some periodic lane reductions may be necessary. Northbound traffic is expected to be shifted onto the new bridge in spring 2023, and the existing northbound bridge will be demolished. Southbound traffic is expected to be shifted onto the new bridge once the project is completed in summer 2024.