New Batchellerville Bridge Opens To Traffic One Year Ahead Of Schedule

ALBANY, NY (11/15/2012)(readMedia)-- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald today announced early completion of a $46.7 million project to replace the Batchellerville Bridge carrying Saratoga County Route 98 over the Great Sacandaga Lake in Edinburg, Saratoga County. The bridge, which is opening to traffic this afternoon, was originally scheduled to be opened to traffic in the fall of 2013, but was completed one year ahead of schedule.

"This new bridge accommodates larger, heavier vehicles, allows motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the Great Sacandaga Lake safely, and its increased height better meets the needs of lake users, tourists and permanent and seasonal residents," Commissioner McDonald said. "Completing the bridge a full year ahead of schedule is a great accomplishment for the Department, the contractor and, most of all, for the motorists who rely on this bridge every day to get to work or enjoy the lake."

The new bridge was built directly to the south of the former 80-year-old structure. The center-span of the bridge has a vertical clearance of 42 feet above the water, which is 27 feet higher than the old structure and allows more room for recreational vessels to pass underneath. The height of the new structure accommodates larger sail boats that use the lake, while not disturbing scenic skyline views.

The new bridge features two 11-foot-wide travel lanes, two five-foot-wide shoulders and a five-foot-wide raised sidewalk on the north side of the bridge.

In order for the roadway approaches to transition smoothly onto the new bridge, work was done from the Wessels Road intersection west of the bridge to the intersection of South Shore Road, Saratoga County Route 7, east of the bridge. The "Y" intersection at South Shore Road was reconstructed as a T-type intersection.

Work began in the summer of 2010, with bridge completion scheduled for the fall of 2013 and total project completion scheduled for the summer of 2014. The construction contractor was given ample time to complete the project, but due to their aggressive work schedule and an easy winter, the bridge was able to be built a full year ahead of schedule. Demolition of the former bridge can now occur next year, allowing the overall project to be completed in 2013, also one year ahead of the planned 2014 completion.

During construction, traffic used the old bridge, which only allowed alternating one-way traffic controlled by a signal and had a 15-ton weight limit. Once the construction and demolition contract has been completed, the new bridge will be owned and maintained by Saratoga County.

The project was 80 percent federally funded, with the remaining 20 percent investment coming from New York State.

The construction contractor for the project is Harrison and Burrowes Bridge Constructors of Glenmont, Albany County. The old bridge, which is now closed to traffic, will be demolished next year.

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