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ALBANY – In a statement released last week, New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas formally announced that work is underway on an $8 million project to replace two bridges over the Adirondack Northway in Saratoga County.
The affected spans are located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs and East High Street in the Town of Malta.
Both bridges will be closed to all traffic, with detours in place, from April 2 through Aug. 31. Work is scheduled to be fully complete by the end of autumn.
During the closures, the Crescent Avenue detour will use Union Avenue (Route 9P) and Nelson Avenue. The East High Street detour will use Malta Avenue (County Route 63), Route 9 and Van Aernem Road.
“Saratoga County is an economic force in New York State and it is imperative we maintain the region’s infrastructure to keep the regional economy strong,” Karas said. “This project will enhance connectivity within the county, ensuring motorist safety while maintaining essential avenues of commerce well into the future.”
Both bridges over Interstate 87 were built in 1962, according to the DOT. While safe, they have aged to the point where the project is necessary. The new bridges will have wider shoulders to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. They are expected to have service lives of at least 75 years, and DOT officials are using cost-effective techniques to minimize future maintenance and repair expenses.
The Crescent Avenue bridge replacement will also reconfigure the intersection of the “slip-ramp” that provides access to the southbound Northway. The upgrade will allow for left turns onto the southbound Northway for motorists who travel westbound on Crescent Avenue.
The existing Crescent Avenue Northway ramp is scheduled to remain open during construction except for one weekend in the late summer, which will be announced in advance. The East High Street connection to Raymond Road is scheduled to remain open during construction.
Motorists should also expect off-peak lane closures on the Northway underneath each bridge for construction work, as well as full closures at night for steel removal in the spring and steel beam installation in the summer. The full closures and detour routes will be announced in advance.
In the DOT statement, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Edward D. Kinowski said: “On behalf of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, I wholeheartedly welcome the governor’s and DOT’s support for the replacement of these vital bridges in our county. These transportation linkages are critical support networks for multiple area communities. Additionally, these bridges are integral for continued regional growth and sustainability—one of the highest priorities in our county.”
Saratoga Springs City Mayor Meg Kelly said: “We are pleased with the state’s decision to replace the Crescent Avenue Bridge. The bridge is an important gateway within the City of Saratoga Springs uniting our city’s eastern residential neighborhoods to our downtown. We look forward to continuing to work with state DOT on improving pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the city, including completing the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail and connecting our neighborhoods."
