Brady PieperNew York State will soon begin work on an innovative project to replace the Route 11 commuter bridge over the Oneida River in Cicero, Hastings and Brewerton.
The state’s governor, Kathy Hochul, is announcing the $33.6 million project, which will replace the existing Brewerton Bridge with the first gussetless truss bridge in the state and the second gussetless truss bridge in the nation. The groundbreaking project seeks to improve economic opportunities for all New Yorkers and enhance New York’s infrastructure for the future.
“New York State has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to investing in communities through the revitalization of its infrastructure,” Gov. Hochul said in a press release. “The Route 11 bridge over the Oneida River in Brewerton is a pivotal connection that we must maintain, and this state-funded undertaking will ensure it remains safe and reliable now and into the future.”
The existing bridge, initially constructed in the early 20th century, provides access for residents and visitors to the City of Syracuse and the Central and Northern New York communities. Project officials regard the surrounding communities as popular places for boating, fishing, water-based activities and a variety of small businesses.
While the last major repair efforts took place in 1986, the current iteration of the bridge is aging and in dire need of repairs and modernization.
The project, which is anticipated to begin construction soon, seeks to maintain the areas’ rich history while improving overall connections for the estimated 13,000 motorists who travel the bridge daily. To start, the project will construct a one-way temporary bridge to accommodate traffic before the existing bridge is demolished in the fall.
Replacing the Brewerton Bridge, the project will develop the state’s first gussetless truss bridge, which is a more modern and efficient option for bridge design. Traffic is anticipated to transition to the new bridge by fall 2026, and full construction on the project is anticipated for early 2027.
The new gussetless truss bridge will be designed to service traffic for 75 years but can last longer with a metalized coating and routine care. The structure will feature new concrete bridge piers, abutments and a concrete deck that can reduce the cost of inspections, upkeep and future maintenance.
The project will also construct standard eight-foot shoulders to provide room for emergency vehicles and snow and ice removal equipment on the bridge.
Existing structures, such as drainage and water pipes, will be replaced to give the bridge a more efficient, aesthetically pleasing and streamlined appearance.
Pedestrians will have access to five-foot sidewalks on either side of the bridge to add more multi-modal transportation options for residents. The project will also install several new quality-of-life improvements to enhance public safety and health, including decorative street lights and a truss hung from the center of the roadway for visibility.
As New York begins work, project officials anticipate the construction of this new bridge will recharge communities surrounding Route 11. The New York State Department of Transportation will provide updates on the project as it develops.
Photo Courtesy
Brewerton Bridge Design
@NYSDOT
