New Multi-Girder Bridge Over State Routes 5 and 12 Will Enhance Safety and Mobility Along Key Travel Route, Linking Utica with Town of New Hartford in Oneida County
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction has been completed on a $11.8 million project to replace the bridge carrying State Route 8 over State Routes 5 and 12 in the City of Utica. The project replaced the previous structure, which was built in 1960, with a modern, multi-girder bridge that will enhance safety and mobility along a key travel route linking Utica with the City of New Hartford and a vital corridor for flow of people and commerce in Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley. State Route 8 is a key travel route that supports several local businesses and retail centers and is commonly used by motorists looking to reach the Southern Tier, Adirondacks and the New York State Thruway.
"New York State is taking bold steps toward transforming our infrastructure and reimagining what a modern transportation system means for the Mohawk Valley," Governor Hochul said. "These improvements along the State Route 8 corridor in Utica will make it easier for people and goods to get where they need to go safely and with minimal delays."
Launched in spring 2021, the project created a new, two-span bridge that features a vertical clearance of 16 feet 3 inches - nearly 2 feet higher than the original structure. The project also resurfaced ramps leading to and from Route 8 as well as portions of Routes 5 and 12 near the bridge. New signs and lighting were also installed. Although major construction has been completed, minor finishing work is still taking place and motorists should still expect intermittent lane closures in both directions during the coming weeks.
For local motorists, the reopening of this interchange will ease travel to the nearby retail centers along Commercial Drive (State Route 5A) just in time for holiday shopping. State Routes 5, 8, and 12 are also part of a major freight corridor for the Mohawk Valley that helps support several area businesses, including Chobani, Fed Ex and UPS.
Completion of the State Route 8 bridge project builds on the success of recent New York State Department of Transportation projects in the City of Utica, including the Route 5S Safety Enhancement project and the Bagg's Square-Harbor Point Pedestrian Way project in the City of Utica. These construction projects served to support the economic revitalization of downtown Utica, provided an attractive new community gateway, increased mobility for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, and promoted public health.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Completion of this bridge replacement project is another great step forward for the City of Utica and the entire Mohawk Valley. This new bridge along State Route 8 will improve travel and help connect communities throughout the Mohawk Valley, demonstrating yet again the Department of Transportation's commitment to building a more resilient transportation network that meets the needs of all New Yorkers."
Senator Chuck Schumer said, "For too long this link between Utica and New Hartford sat in disrepair, but thanks to the federal dollars I've secured for New York through infrastructure laws and COVID relief funds, the Mohawk Valley now has the modern gateway to Utica's downtown that it has long deserved. From the Adirondack Bank Center to the new restaurants and apartments popping up across downtown - it's an exciting time for the City of Utica and I am proud to have helped us build the bridge to a brighter future."
State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, "I am pleased that major construction replacing the State Route 8 Bridge in the City of Utica has been completed. This new bridge will improve mobility, enhance safety, better connect neighborhoods and help to drive economic opportunity in the region."
Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, "We are very excited to see this important infrastructure upgrade project come to completion. As we see new businesses move into and continue to grow in the Mohawk Valley region it is important to have safe, modern and accessible routes of travel. "
Assemblymember Brian D. Miller said, "The much-awaited completion of the bridge carrying State Route 8 over State Routes 5 and 12 is a welcomed event. This $11.8 million infrastructure investment in the New Hartford and Utica area means so much for residents, businesses and commerce in the area. It is also a heavily traveled connector for motorists traveling north to the Adirondacks, south to the Southern Tier as well as entering or leaving the New York State Thruway. Investment in our infrastructure is essential for continued economic growth in the area as well as improving access to services for residents and improving the overall safety for motorists. I thank the New York State Department of Transportation for their work on this project."
Oneida County Executive Anthony J Picente, Jr. said, "I am pleased that the State Route 8 bridge project is complete and that safer and more efficient travel is now in place on one of Oneida County's busiest thoroughfares. This corridor over State Routes 12 and 5 that connects Utica and New Hartford is a vital travel route for residents and visitors of this region. It connects thousands of drivers to key businesses and services each day and I thank the NYS DOT for its fine work in bringing it up to a new standard."
New Hartford Town Supervisor Paul A. Miscione said, "This was a well-needed infrastructure improvement for a key traveling route in our area. This is not only key for the future of our infrastructure improvements but also brings safety for our residents and visitors to our town."
City of Utica Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said, "With the repair of the State Route 8 bridge, we're continuing to connect our communities and build a stronger infrastructure that supports the unprecedent growth we're experiencing in the City of Utica. With our partners in state government, we're making our city safer and more resilient and creating good-paying jobs in the process. I'd like to thank Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in our area and I look forward to continuing to build a better, stronger New York and a better, stronger Utica."
To find the latest traffic and travel conditions, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app. The online system and mobile app include a state road map, indicating which roads are experiencing snow conditions and where conditions are normal.
Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.
Contact the Governor’s Press Office
Contact us by phone:
New York City: (212) 681 - 4640