NYSDOT Opens New Route 9P Bridge over Saratoga Lake

ALBANY, NY (05/26/2011)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced the opening of the new Route 9P bridge over Saratoga Lake in the town of Saratoga and city of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County. Traffic had been detoured around the lake since early September 2010 while the old bridge was demolished and the new structure was built on the same alignment.

"The bridge that we are celebrating today was built in nine short months through one of the snowiest winters in recent history and is opening to traffic before Memorial Day weekend, as promised," Commissioner McDonald said. "I am proud that we were able to partner with the community to complete this project in a way that saved taxpayers money while providing residents and seasonal visitors with a safe, new bridge."

Commissioner McDonald was joined this afternoon for a ceremonial ribbon cutting on the bridge by State Senator Roy McDonald, Assemblyman Tony Jordan, Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson, Saratoga Town Supervisor Tom Wood and NYSDOT Regional Director Mary Ivey.

Congressman Chris Gibson said, "This is a vital project for my district and I applaud the efforts of all those involved to open the bridge in time for Memorial Day, particularly Kubricky Construction Corporation and the NYS Department of Transportation. This bridge is a key link between the beauty of Saratoga Lake and historic downtown Saratoga Springs, and providing an easier and safer way to travel over the lake will benefit local residents, businesses, and visitors."

Senator McDonald said, "It's extremely important that local bridges are safe for members of our community and visitors to our area. That's why I want to thank and applaud all partners in this project for their hard work in building this new bridge, the upgrades and improvements will be beneficial for generations to come."

Assemblyman Jordan said, "It is great news that we celebrate the reopening of the Route 9P Bridge. This project has been exceptionally challenging for the residents that utilize this span day in and day out. I would like to commend DOT on their hard work and dedication to this project, which resulted in completing the project on time, realizing cost savings for taxpayers, and minimizing the inconvenience to the traveling public."

Supervisor Wood said, "The on time opening of the new bridge is greatly appreciated and will be very helpful to the Town of Saratoga residents. The new bridge will be much safer and with its opening reduce emergency services response time."

The new bridge is a multi-girder structure consisting of five spans with two, 11-foot travel lanes, four-foot shoulders and five-foot sidewalks on both sides. The project also provided wider roadway approaches to the bridge to enhance safety.

The bridge was closed to traffic after Labor Day 2010 and work was performed during the fall and winter in order to minimize closure impacts to area residents, businesses and travelers during the busy summer season. Closing the bridge allowed construction to move along faster and more safely. NYSDOT reduced project costs by approximately $5 million by closing the bridge during construction.

Landscaping, drainage improvements and approach work will continue on the project, which is expected to be completed this fall.

The $10.8 million project to replace the bridge, which carries approximately 5,000 vehicles per day, began in April 2010. The contractor for the project is Kubricky Construction Corporation of Queensbury, Warren County.

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