NYSDOT Warns About Thin Ice and Open Water at Ongoing Bridge Construction Projects This Winter

ALBANY, NY (02/04/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today warned that ice may be thin and open water may be present in the vicinity of three Capital Region bridges due to ongoing construction activities including the Lake Champlain Bridge between Crown Point, NY, and Chimney Point, VT; the Route 9P bridge over Saratoga Lake in Saratoga County; and the Batchellerville Bridge over Sacandaga Lake in Edinburg, Saratoga County. Recreational activities, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice skating near any of these bridge projects should be conducted with extreme caution.

Lake Champlain Bridge: The 24-hour ferry service between Crown Point and Chimney Point will once again prevent ice from forming in the vicinity of the Lake Champlain Bridge. Ferries will move continuously from shore to shore to prevent ice formation. Ice that does form adjacent to the ferry route may be considerably weaker than expected. Additionally, construction on the new Lake Champlain Bridge will continue all winter, leaving portions of open water and ice that is thinner than expected, even during stretches of extreme cold. Signage has been installed along the shoreline to warn users of the dangerous conditions.

Route 9P Bridge: Construction activities for the replacement of the bridge carrying Route 9P over Saratoga Lake is continuing through the winter. Work activities will leave portions of open water under the bridge where new piers are being constructed and ice will be thin in the immediately surrounding area. Signage is being installed as a warning to snowmobilers and other recreationists, as well as limited lighting at the construction site which will illuminate areas of construction and open water for the safety of those using the lake after dusk and before dawn. NYSDOT is warning users about thin ice in the areas, as the ice that does form will be not be as thick as in other years, so extreme caution is advised.

Batchellerville Bridge: Open water and thin ice also may be present in the vicinity of the Batchellerville Bridge, where a project is ongoing to build a replacement structure. New support structures for the Batchellerville Bridge may present further unexpected obstacles for lake users this winter. Foundations for the new bridge will be protruding from the ice and could pose additional dangers to snowmobilers or others using the lake, especially after dark. In addition to 21 piers supporting the existing bridge, up to nine coffer dams will be present during the winter months and will be used to support the new structure. All four corners of each of the coffer dams have been marked with reflective signs, and flashing yellow lights have been installed on the top of each corner to warn nighttime snowmobilers and others of the new obstructions.

For more information about any of these bridge replacement projects, visit www.nysdot.gov.

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