First Steel Beam Set On New Patterson Bridge

ALBANY, NY (12/11/2013)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced that contractors have started setting steel beams for the new Patterson Bridge over the Chemung River in Corning, a significant milestone for the project. Within 75-days of complete closure of the bridge, the contractor demolished the old bridge, constructed footers and piers for the new bridge, and started installation of the steel beams.

"Replacing the Patterson Bridge is critical infrastructure work that will improve safety and help support commuter and shipping traffic into and out of Corning, while providing a modern new bridge to connect people with the local interstate system," Commissioner McDonald said. "Governor Cuomo's commitment to bolstering New York State's economy through stable transportation infrastructure has made this project a reality."

The $19.4 million project is on track to be completed before Memorial Day 2014, in part because of good weather. The project is located on Route 352 (Denison Parkway) connecting the City of Corning and the Village of Riverside. Patterson Bridge crosses both the Norfolk Southern Railroad and the Chemung River. During construction of the new bridge, traffic has been maintained via an off-site detour using I-86 and state Route 414 (Centerway/Cedar Street).

The Patterson Bridge carries local traffic to and from Corning and the recently completed I-86 and Future I-99 Hamilton Street Interchange. It is also a vital link between the City and points west, including Corning Incorporated's World Headquarters and Research and Development facilities. The construction contractor for the project is Cold Spring Construction Company of Akron, Erie County.

The project is funded through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY Works initiative to improve roads and bridges across New York State. It is part of $43.7 million in NY Works funding being spent in Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties.

The NY Works program focuses on improving the condition of roads and bridges from fair condition to good condition in order to extend their service life. More than 2,000 miles of pavement were replaced in 2012 as part of the program, and more than 120 bridges are being rehabilitated or replaced. The improvements better preserve the state's infrastructure and guard against the need for more costly, in-depth construction.

For real-time travel information, call 511 or visit www.511NY.org. Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.You can also follow us on Twitter @NYSDOTHornell.

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