A multi-million-dollar project to repair a defective Interstate 81 bridge on Binghamton's North Side is on hold with no end in sight.

The state Department of Transportation closed Chenango Street under the highway last summer so work could be done to strengthen the sinking bridge structure.

Area residents say construction crews were pulled from the site a few weeks ago. People familiar with the project have said the concrete that's been poured on the underside of the arched bridge has failed to meet required specifications.

A section of the I-81 bridge over Chenango Street on March 28, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A section of the I-81 bridge over Chenango Street on March 28, 2022. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

Traffic has been detoured around the Chenango Street work zone since September 11, In a travel advisory, the DOT advised motorists the closure would last about three months.

Now - nearly seven months later - the agency won't say why construction work has been halted or when it will resume. The DOT also will not explain why the original plan to fix the problem has failed.

The agency last fall told WNBF News the estimated final cost of the repair job was $3.5 million. The DOT would not say whether the contractor which built the bridge in 2013 will foot the bill for the current project. The bridge was built as part of the massive Prospect Mountain reconstruction initiative.

Precast concrete sections were used to build the I-81 bridge over Chenango Street in 2013. (Photo: NYS DOT)
Precast concrete sections were used to build the I-81 bridge over Chenango Street in 2013. (Photo: NYS DOT)
loading...

Drivers spotted problems with the bridge less than a year after it opened. They noticed part of the precast arch appeared to have slipped a few inches. They also saw water pouring down onto Chenango Street between the concrete section during rain storms.

A DOT spokesman in July 2014 said engineers were "expecting some settling" with the bridge. He said move of the bridge sections was "not surprising."

Residents of the neighborhood near the bridge who were told Chenango Street would reopen in December want to know why it remains closed in April.

Despite repeated requests in recent days, the DOT would not provide any new estimates regarding when the detour will end or how much additional money will be spent on the repair job.

The DOT advisory about the street closing made no reference to the bridge deficiencies or the work that was planned.

Thousands of cars, trucks and other vehicles continue to use the Interstate 81 bridge  every day while the concrete work under the span remains unfinished.

2021.09.08 DOT-TRAVEL ADVISORY
loading...
Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

LOOK: Oldest Disneyland Rides From 1955 to Today

Stacker, set out to compile a definitive list of every Disneyland attraction you can enjoy today and ranked them by their age. Using real-time data from Touring Plans, Disney archives, and historical news releases and reviews, our list starts with exciting recent park additions and stretches back to the oldest opening-day classics. This list focuses on the original Disneyland Park, so you will not see any rides from its neighboring California Adventure located just across the promenade. Read on to discover the oldest Disneyland rides you can still ride today.

LOOK: Route 66’s quirkiest and most wonderful attractions state by state

Stacker compiled a list of 50 attractions--state by state--to see along the drive, drawing on information from historic sites, news stories, Roadside America, and the National Park Service. Keep reading to discover where travelers can get their kicks on Route 66.

More From 98.1 The Hawk