Completion of $18.4 Million Tompkins County Bridge Replacement Announced
In a press release on Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of an $18.4 million project to replace a State Route 34B Bridge in Tompkins County.
The newly complete bridge is part of the "Southern Tier Soaring" strategy designed to revitalize communities and grow the local economy. "Southern Tier Soaring" focuses on growing business and driving innovation and is part of a $500 million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative.
The bridge carries State Route 34B over Salmon Creek in Lansing, New York and features important safety and mobility upgrades over the original bridge, which was built in 1930. Planning for the project began in 2010 and the official completion brings the 12 year project to a close. The 500 foot bridge is the longest structure in New York with a slanted steel leg support style and is estimated to carry almost 7,500 vehicles every day. The bridge is expected to have a service life of 75 years.
In her press release, Governor Hochul stated "This bridge has provided vital connectivity for decades, serving the local community and countless visitors who come to enjoy the national treasures of the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes region. As we continue to build back stronger from the pandemic, we are doubling down on our efforts to prioritize infrastructure that sustains key connections, supports all modes of travel and enhances safety for everyone."
The project was completed shortly after the American Society of Civil Engineers gave New York's infrastructure a "C" grade, and specifically singled out the state's bridges as a problem area worse than the average of other states.