Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $18.4 Million Replacement of State Route 34B Bridge in Tompkins County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction is complete on the new bridge carrying State Route 34B over Salmon Creek in the Town of Lansing, Tompkins County. The $18.4 million project replaced the original structure, which was built in 1930, with a modern, steel-framed bridge that enhances safety and improves mobility along a key connector for the flow of people and commerce in the region. The new bridge features eight-foot-wide shoulders to provide additional room for disabled vehicles to pull off the road and to better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

"New York remains steadfast in our commitment to modernizing our state's transportation network and giving localities and regional economies the infrastructure they need to stay competitive," Governor Hochul said. "This bridge has provided vital connectivity for decades, serving the local community and countless visitors who come to enjoy the natural treasures of the Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes regions. As we continue to build back stronger from the pandemic, we are doubling down on our efforts to prioritize infrastructure that sustains key connections, supports all modes of travel and enhances safety for everyone."

"Replacing our outdated bridge infrastructure is critical to ensuring the safety and mobility of pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "The new steel framed bridge over Salmon Creek in the Town of Lansing will ensure the continued growth and vitality of this region."

State Route 34B runs along the eastern shores of Cayuga Lake and is an integral part of the popular Cayuga Lake Wine trail. The roadway links the City of Ithaca to the City of Auburn, running between Cayuga Lake and Owasco Lake in New York's Finger Lakes Region. The bridge carries almost 7,500 vehicles a day and is located along important bus routes for Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit and the Lansing Central School District, which has schools located just south of the bridge.

Planning to replace the previous bridge began in 2010 and construction continued through the COVID-19 pandemic to bring this project across the finish line. The new structure is made of weathering steel and replaces the old steel open spandrel arch bridge that was originally constructed in 1930. A slanted steel leg design was usedin an effort to retain some of the unique features of the previous structure, which featured an arch-shaped support for the bridge.

The new bridge spans 500 feet, sits 120 feet above the Salmon Creek, and expands the width of the bridge from approximately 29 feet to 40 feet. With an estimated service life of 75 years, it is the longest structure in New York State that utilizes the slanted steel leg support style.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The new bridge over Salmon Creek is another testament to Governor Hochul's commitment to continue modernizing New York's infrastructure, and embodies the extraordinary resilience of New Yorkers. We broke ground on this project in the same year that COVID came to New York State, but we did not stop working. Our team overcame supply chain issues, maintained an open line of communication with the local community to ensure the project would meet their needs, and, importantly, did everything necessary to keep workers safe. Thanks to our dedicated team at NYSDOT, and all those involved in constructing this project, we can deliver the Lansing community and Tompkins County, a bridge that reflects New York's resilience in the face of a once-in-a-generation challenge, while providing sustained connectivity and enhanced safety for all users."

State Senator Pam Helming said, "It has always been my priority to advocate for state funding to ensure safe roads and bridges in our communities. These investments are essential to the safety of the traveling public and to the economic vitality of the region. Thank you to Commissioner Dominguez and the New York State Department of Transportation, Town of Lansing Supervisor Ed LaVigne and the Town's hardworking crews and employees, Tompkins County, and all those who supported this project."

Assemblymember Anna Kelles said, "I am thrilled to see the completion of the State Route 34B bridge over Salmon Creek in the Town of Lansing. This critical infrastructure project is an important investment in our community, ensuring the safety and improved ease-of-travel for residents and visitors. I am especially pleased that the new bridge features 8-foot wide shoulders to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. By supporting sustainable transportation and connectivity in our region, we will increase access to outdoor recreation and support local tourism."

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver's license.

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Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring

Today's announcement complements "Southern Tier Soaring," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest.