New Lake Champlain Bridge Replacement Concepts Now Online

ALBANY, NY (12/12/2009)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) today announced at the public meetings held at the Community Building in Ticonderoga, NY that input is requested from the public regarding the design options for replacement of the Lake Champlain Bridge and its historical commemoration.

Stating that the goal is to move as quickly as possible to design a new bridge to replace the now closed one, officials of both NYSDOT and VTrans explained the pros and cons of the top five replacement alternatives which were on display, and reviewed their pros and cons. The five options include using a Long-Span Steel Girder Bridge, a Segmental Concrete Bridge (Cast-In-Place or Precast), a Steel Composite Cable-Stayed Bridge, a Concrete Extradosed Bridge, or a Network Tied Arch Bridge. Photos and a matrix analysis may be reviewed at https://www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge/alternatives.

In addition to providing feedback on the proposed design concepts, the public has been asked to submit ideas for methods of commemorating the old and historic bridge. Suggestions were discussed ranging from establishing a permanent local museum display to obtaining oral and written memories about the bridge from residents.

To assure that public opinion is included in the design review and commemoration process, those in attendance were asked to complete a survey covering both areas of interest. NYSDOT has placed the survey on the Champlain Bridge website (noted above) to afford those who could not attend with a window of opportunity to provide feedback on the bridge design options. In order to keep the process moving forward, the survey will be available until midnight on Monday, December 14, 2009.

As announced earlier this week, NYSDOT's contractor Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc. (H&B) has secured an expert subcontractor to demolish the existing bridge, and work has begun on the bridge in preparation for its implosion. Advanced Explosives Demolition, Inc. of Idaho will, working for H&B, plan for and execute the controlled explosive demolition of the 80-year-old steel truss bridge at a date yet to be determined.

Details on the bridge demolition will be well advertised and safe public viewing locations will be determined. Safety protocols for contractor employees and for public viewing are being established, and will be clearly posted in advance. The public will be prohibited from the area immediately surrounding the bridge, including the land, water and air. Access to certain roads also will be restricted to assure the safety of the public.

Further information about the Lake Champlain Bridge closure is available on NYSDOT's Web site at www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge.

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