The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) recently re-opened a lift bridge in Albion that carries State Route 98 over the Erie Canal to traffic.
The 111-year-old bridge has been closed for extensive rehabilitation that will extend its service life by approximately 30 years. Work included replacing the deck and portions of the truss system with high-strength galvanized steel, installing bridge rails, updating the mechanical and electrical components, rehabilitating the bridge towers, repainting, and replacing sidewalks leading to the bridge to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
“The Erie Canal helped transform New York State into an economic powerhouse and it’s imperative that we do everything possible to honor that rich history and preserve the infrastructure, especially the historic bridges, that are part of it,” NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said. “The rehabilitation of the State Route 98 bridge not only ensures that a vital transportation link continues to serve the Albion community for decades to come but also protects one of the region’s greatest treasures for the benefit of future generations.”
Construction activities are still underway, and there could be occasional short-term traffic delays.
The project is part of a $29.1 million plan to modernize and preserve structures on the canal.