NYSDOT announced projects, which include painting bridges, installing pavement markings and replacing guiderail.
(New York State Department of Transportation photo)
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas announced that work is beginning on three road and bridge safety projects in the North Country, totaling a $5.9 million infrastructure investment. The projects, which include painting bridges, installing pavement markings and replacing guiderail, will be undertaken across Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, St. Lawrence and Clinton counties.
“Our transportation system is essential to the North Country economy, supporting tourism, freight shipping and everyday travel, which is why we must be ever vigilant with routine maintenance such as this,” Karas said. “Governor Cuomo has provided an unprecedented amount of support for road and bridge projects across New York State and we will continue to work hard to make the best use of those investments.”
Bridge Painting
A $2.7 million bridge painting project will provide for the cleaning and painting of 12 bridges along Interstate 81 in Jefferson County. The periodic cleaning and painting of structural steel extends the service life of highway bridges by reducing corrosion. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018. This project will keep these bridges in good working order to ensure the efficient movement of goods and people traveling to and through the North Country.
Guiderail Replacement
A $1.9 million project will replace approximately 6 mi. of aging guiderail along state highways in Jefferson and Lewis counties. The new guiderail will be installed on state Routes 3, 12, 177 and 812. The new rail systems will provide for increased driver safety. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.
Pavement Markings
A $1.3 million project will install special pavement markings, including crosswalk markings, STOP bars and legends, across the North Country. The markings will provide extra durability and longevity to enhance driver and pedestrian safety on highways across the region. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2018.
Sen. Patty Ritchie said, “The most important improvement we can make to our roadways and bridges is to make them safer for the travelers and businesses that depend on them. By ensuring our infrastructure is held to the highest of standards, we are ensuring people will have the safest commute possible."
“We need to make sure that our infrastructure is in the best shape possible for the benefit of all New York residents and visitors,” Sen. Joseph A. Griffo said. “These projects will help to rehabilitate and modernize our roads, highways and bridges and will improve the safety of motorists and their families as they travel throughout the state. This work also can help to drive economic opportunity in our region and our state.”
“For a tourism dependent region like ours, roads and bridges being in good shape is really important. First impressions count and when infrastructure is not in good shape, it sends a signal. This is a needed investment that will benefit local residents and businesses for many years ahead,” Sen. Betty Little said.
“Our roads and bridges are vitally important to our economy. Proper maintenance and safety improvements benefit all of us. It's always good to see state tax dollars coming back to the North Country for infrastructure improvements,” Assemblywoman Addie Jenne said.
“Maintaining and revitalizing our infrastructure is so important. It's an essential investment in public safety. It's a rock-solid investment in economic development, and it's something my colleagues and I have been emphasizing for several years. I'm pleased to help deliver this critical funding. It is a win for local contractors, local taxpayers and our local economy,” Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush said.
“There are guiderails and bridges in the North Country that are in need of improvement or repair. This necessary funding will better ensure the safe passage of those traveling throughout Upstate New York,” Assemblyman Billy Jones said.
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. 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.
For real-time travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org, or logon to the new mobile site at m.511ny.org.
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