NYSDOT Announces Public Hearing About Portageville Rail Bridge Replacement

ALBANY, NY (12/14/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a project to replace the Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern railroad over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park is available for public review. A public hearing on the project is scheduled for January. The bridge runs between Portage in Wyoming County and Genesee Falls in Livingston County.

"Replacing the historic Portageville Bridge is necessary to ensure safer and much more efficient freight rail transport through Western New York in order to keep goods moving and better serve business needs," Commissioner McDonald said. "I encourage the public to attend the public meeting to gain an understanding of the various options which were evaluated during the environmental process and the impacts of those options."

"The Portageville Bridge Replacement Project is essential to maintaining the competitive balance of freight rail transportation in New York State and the rest of New England," said Jim Carter Jr., chief engineer bridges and structures for Norfolk Southern. "Now is the time to complete this project as demand for rail service is rising. Bridge construction costs have more than tripled since 2000, and so has the importance of the rail line to the local communities it serves. Modernizing the bridge is vital to ensuring affordable and efficient rail access for shippers and short lines that rely on the Southern Tier."

Jerry Vest, President, Railroads of New York, said, "The Portageville Bridge is an integral part of New York's freight rail network. RONY's members are very pleased that NYSDOT is moving forward with the Environmental Impact Statement to upgrade this bridge."

The proposed project will build a new bridge just to the south of the existing structure. Norfolk Southern will move forward into final design with an arch structure that will not only provide a safer, more modern rail bridge, but will also complement the natural beauty of Letchworth State Park and provide a stunning scene over the gorge. A small amount of land will need to be acquired by the railroad where the new bridge will be located.

The existing bridge was built in 1875 after a fire destroyed the former wooden bridge structure. NYSDOT is soliciting comments about the fate of that existing structure after the new bridge is in operation. The bridge, which is on the National Historic Register, could be preserved or demolished.

The bridge was identified in the 2009 New York State Rail Plan as one of the 10 most significant rail bottlenecks in the state. In 2011, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council identified replacement of the bridge among their five-year projects to address barriers to economic growth in their Strategic Plan.

The project to build a new rail bridge is expected to cost approximately $69 million. NYSDOT has contributed approximately $3 million in design costs and has secured $2.5 million for construction costs. The balance would be provided by the railroad and possibly by additional public funds. The funding includes a grant of $2 million from the Regional Economic Development Council.

Construction could begin in 2013 or 2014 and would last at least three years. During this time, the Portage entrance to Letchworth State Park would be closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the work. The nearby Carlisle park entrance would be enhanced to accommodate additional traffic.

The DEIS is available for review on the DOT website at www.dot.ny.gov/portagevillebridge and hard copies are available for review at the following locations:

New York State Department of Transportation:

• 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232; 518-485-0105

• 1530 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY 14623; 585-272-3425

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation:

• Letchworth State Park Visitor's Center, Carlisle, NY 14427; 585-493-3600

Public Libraries:

• Bell Memorial Library, 16 East Street, Nunda, NY 14517; 585-468-2266

• Mt. Morris Library, 121 Main Street, Mount Morris, NY 14510; 585-658-4412

• Cordelia A. Greene Library, 11 S. Main Street, PO Box 208, Castile, NY 14427; 585-493-5466

• Perry Public Library, 70 N Main Street, Perry, NY 14530; 585-237-2243

• Pike Library, 65 Main Street W., PO Box 246, Pike, New York 14130; 585-493-5900

A joint DOT/Norfolk Southern public hearing will be held on January 10 at 6 p.m. at the Genesee River Restaurant and Reception Center, 134 North Main Street, Mount Morris, 14510. DOT and Norfolk Southern Railway representatives will be available to answer questions, and graphic displays will be available for viewing before the hearing, beginning at 4:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the hearing will be held on January 17 at the same time and location. The public is encouraged to attend and comment on the different alternatives. The report presents a study of proposed alternate designs and the Department's evaluation of the social, economic and environmental effects upon the human environment.

Based on the findings of the DEIS, the written and oral comments received during the public hearing, and comments received during the public comment period, NYSDOT will select an alternative and prepare a Final Environmental Impact Statement.

The public comment period will remain open until February 1, 2013. Those who cannot attend the public hearing are encouraged to submit comments in writing to:

Raymond F. Hessinger, P.E.

Director, Freight & Passenger Rail Bureau

New York State Department of Transportation

50 Wolf Road, POD 54

Albany, New York 12232

PortagevilleBridge@dot.ny.gov

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