Vermont, New York to decide to fix or replace Champlain Bridge

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced finalization of a bi-state agreement between New York and Vermont for the progression of a project to rehabilitate or replace the Lake Champlain Bridge, spanning Lake Champlain between Crown Point, New York and Chimney Point, Vermont. HTNB Corporation of New York City has been selected as design consultant. This project is being jointly progressed by NYSDOT and the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
The bi-state agreement announced Monday demonstrates the partnership between the states and the common understanding of the needs of the structure. The project is in a preliminary planning stage and is expected to require the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement before a proposed solution is selected. Options include rehabilitation or replacement of the existing bridge. Construction is tentatively planned to begin in 2013. The 80-year-old bridge accommodates approximately 3,400 vehicles per day.
The existing structure is a combination of a thru-truss, deck-truss and deck plate girders measuring 2,184 feet in length on 14 spans. Each state recognizes the significance of this bridge.
HNTB Corporation is a national transportation infrastructure firm renowned for their work on bridge rehabilitations and replacements. The design team will initiate work on the project once approved by the New York State Comptroller.
One of the first tasks the consultant will complete is an evaluation of the existing structure to determine the feasibility of rehabilitating the bridge, including cost of the work and potential impacts to motorists. All options will be identified and evaluated and public input will be solicited before progressing a particular alternative.
Many perspectives must be considered with the planning of this important project. To help elicit these perspectives, a Public Advisory Committee (PAC) has been organized composed of members of the communities and representatives of community groups. To date, three PAC meetings have been held to initiate dialog between the lead agencies and the PAC. The next PAC meeting will be held shortly after the design consultant begins work on the project.
Historic, business, agricultural, residential, environmental, and recreational interests are represented on the PAC. The PAC will be one important method for the lead agencies to obtain stakeholder input early in the planning process when needs are assessed, objectives formulated, and alternatives evaluated for feasibility.
Public informational meetings scheduled during the project s design phase will provide an opportunity for community input. The bridge s condition will continue to be monitored during the development of the project to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
NYSDOT has established a web site for this project which can be found at www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge. The public is encouraged to visit this site for periodic project updates and can contact NYSDOT with comments about the project by emailing [email protected]. A link to this address is provided on the Web site. Comments can also be sent to NYSDOT, Region One Design, 328 State Street, Schenectady, NY, 12305, Attn: James C. Boni, P.E., or by phone at (518) 388-0200.