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State officials from New York and
Vermont have finalized an agreement to replace or repair the
deteriorating Champlain Bridge.
The 2,000-foot-plus bridge spans
Lake Champlain between Crown Point, New York and Chimney Point,
Vermont. The structure has been marginally maintained over the past
several years, due in part to delayed negotiations between officials
in the two states the bridge serves.
State DOT spokesman Peter Van
Keuren says an environmental impact statement must be completed
before work begins. HTNB Corporation of New York City will serve as
design consultant for the project.
Van Keuren notes the project is
only in its preliminary stages, but says yesterday’s announcement of
the joint operation is significant progress.
“The bi-state
agreement announced today demonstrates the partnership between the
states and the common understanding of the needs of the structure,”
he said.
New York State
DOT is working in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of
Transportation on the project, which seeks to either repair or
replace the structure. Construction on the 80-year-old bridge is
anticipated to begin in 2013.
The bridge serves
about 3,400 vehicles per day.
Van Keuren says the
first task is to determine the feasibility of rehabbing the bridge.
Cost and impact on travelers will be key factors in deciding whether
to replace or repair. “All options will be identified and evaluated
and public input will be solicited before progressing a particular
alternative,” Van Keuren said.
A Public Advisory
Committee consisting of community members and local officials has
met three times to discuss the project’s impact and timeline. The
committee will continue to meet with state transportation officials
and design consultants as the project moves ahead.
A series of public
informational meetings have been scheduled to allow motorists and
residents to comment on the plans. Van Keuren adds that officials
will continue to monitor the bridge’s current condition to – quote –
“ensure the safety of the traveling public.”
-Chris Morris,
6-23-09
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