New Crossings Over Abandoned Rail Line Will Ease Travel Along Vital Traffic Artery in Central New York and Facilitate Access to New Shared-Use Path
Investment Complements "CNY Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of an $8 million project that replaced two bridges along Interstate 81 in the City of Cortland, Cortland County. The two structures that were originally constructed in 1966 to span the long-since-abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad were replaced with modern crossings built atop two concrete box culverts that will ease travel and enhance safety along one of Central New York's most vital traffic arteries. The box culverts will also facilitate the construction of a shared-use path underneath the highway that's envisioned by the City of Cortland to link downtown streets with Yaman Park, a popular recreational facility located to the northeast of downtown Cortland.
"Projects like these to modernize regional transportation networks are helping to ensure we have the infrastructure we need to continue our economic comeback and to stay competitive in the future," Governor Hochul said. "These bridge replacements will provide Cortland area commuters and other motorists a smoother ride, while supporting a more reliable and resilient transportation system for decades to come."
The new crossings feature wider shoulders that are more aligned with the existing highway than the original bridges, allowing for a smoother transition between the spans and the roadway. Because there is no longer an active railway running underneath the highway, the new crossings are also shorter, which allowed for concrete box culverts to be used instead of more traditional bridge structures. The four-sided culverts, which are 17 feet tall and nearly 20 feet wide, were constructed on-site with 56,000 cubic yards of fill that covered the structures and built up the embankment. To facilitate the City of Cortland's plans to improve access to Yaman Park with a new shared-use path, the box culverts were designed to accommodate both recreation activities and emergency vehicles.
Construction on the project began in May 2020 and interstate traffic was maintained utilizing a temporary crossover realignment.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "This project demonstrates New York State's commitment to building back better by creating a 21st Century transportation network that improves travel, strengthens our communities and stimulates economic growth. These new highway crossings and culverts enhance the resiliency of one of the region's most heavily traveled roadways as well help ensure the continued flow of people, goods and access to recreational opportunities through this important corridor for many years to come."
Senator Peter Oberacker said, "A sound infrastructure is crucial to public safety and economic development. These bridge replacements meet key needs ensuring that I-81 will continue to meet the demands of those who live and work in Cortland and beyond. Constructing these spans with an eye toward future recreation needs in the City of Cortland puts this project over the top."
Assemblymember Anna Kelles said, "I am pleased to see the completion of these bridge upgrades to a vital roadway for Cortland. Ensuring the safety and improved ease-of-travel for residents and visitors is an important investment to make in the community. I look forward to continuing to work with the community to increase access between the City of Cortland and Yaman Park for pedestrians and cyclists."
Assemblymember John Lemondes said, "I'm pleased to see the investment in our rural communities continues with $8 million for our bridges. Cortland County sees a lot of traffic from locals, and this will serve our residents better for years to come."
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Accelerating CNY Rising
Today's announcement complements "CNY Rising," the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on capitalizing on global market opportunities, strengthening entrepreneurship and creating an inclusive economy. Now, the region is accelerating CNY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative. The State's $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion - and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs. More information is available here.