Governor Hochul Announces $5 Million Bridge Replacement In Onondaga County

Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a significant infrastructure project in Onondaga County, marking the commencement of a $5 million bridge replacement endeavor on the New York State Thruway. The focus of this project is the Schepps Corners Road bridge, a structure dating back to 1953, which is set to be replaced by a modernized version. This initiative not only aims to enhance safety features but also to increase the bridge's vertical clearance, signaling a step towards modernizing the state's infrastructure.

The replacement of the Schepps Corners Road bridge is part of a broader strategy to inject $450.9 million into capital projects across the Thruway by 2024. This bridge, facilitating the passage of approximately 2,600 vehicles daily over the NYS Thruway (I-90), is among several that are earmarked for replacement due to their advanced age. The project promises to bolster safety, efficiency, and sustainability while also positively impacting the surrounding wetlands.

Key enhancements of the new bridge include increased vertical clearance, wider shoulders, and the installation of new safety guiderails alongside an improved riding surface. Environmental considerations have been integral to the project's design, with measures such as stone gutters and erosion control mats being implemented. These features are intended to mitigate run-off and erosion, in addition to fostering new grasslands that will absorb stormwater and diminish runoff.

With construction set to commence on March 20, the Schepps Corners Road bridge will be closed to all traffic for the project's duration. A detour spanning 5.5 miles will guide motorists via Kirkville Road to N. Manlius Road. The construction phase may lead to traffic slowdowns or stoppages on the Thruway, with Variable Message Signs deployed to relay construction and detour specifics.

Slate Hill Constructors of Warners, NY, has been named as the project contractor. The anticipated completion date is in Fall 2024, although this timeline could shift depending on weather conditions. Motorists are urged to adhere to work zone speed limits, with heightened penalties for speeding violations in these areas.

To facilitate travel planning during this period, motorists are encouraged to utilize resources such as the Thruway Authority's mobile app or its interactive Traveler Map available online. This bridge replacement is part of a larger $2.4 billion capital program slated over the next five years. This comprehensive plan aims to address approximately half of the Thruway's lane miles and about 90 bridges through replacements, rehabilitations, paintings, joint replacements, and vertical clearance enhancements.