NY Works Bridge Construction Begins In North Country

ALBANY, NY (06/20/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced that construction is under way on a $5.1 million signature project to reconstruct Route 11 in Ellensburg, Clinton County, through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's NY Works program.

"Governor Cuomo's NY Works program speeds up our bridge and highway reconstruction efforts and puts people back to work," Commissioner McDonald said "The traveling public will see nearly twice as much highway work than just last year. We ask motorists to be patient and drive carefully through construction zones."

With today's announcement, construction has begun on the first NY Works transportation improvement projects only two months after Governor Cuomo signed the 2012-2013 Budget allowing funding for these projects to move forward.

NY Works focuses on improving pavement that is in fair condition and bringing it to good condition. This preventive maintenance work will better preserve the state's infrastructure and guard against the need for more costly, in-depth construction. Bundling projects sites within close geographic locations into a single contract enables DOT to lower expenses and obtain lower bids.

An approximately three mile section of Route 11 is being rehabilitated between Station Hill Road and Green Valley Road. Construction will include rehabilitating pavement and reconstructing shoulders. The project will also include replacing signage, guide rail, sidewalks and curbing, and installing new drainage systems.

The project will improve mobility along Route 11, which is the main route across northern New York, connecting Watertown to Canada north of Plattsburgh. Given the importance of Route 11 to the North Country's economy it is a critical component of the regional transportation infrastructure.

The project, being constructed by Luck Bros, Inc. of Plattsburgh, Clinton County, is scheduled to be completed next summer.

Motorists may encounter flaggers directing traffic. It is imperative that motorists remember this season to drive carefully through the many highway and bridge construction zones they will encounter.

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