Long-Delayed Rehabilitation Complete
The historic lift bridge carrying Route 19 over the Erie Canal in Brockport reopened to traffic on the afternoon of November 10, following a series of setbacks and delays that frustrated officials, residents, and local businesses alike. The Brockport Fire Department escorted Mayor Ben Reed for the inaugural crossing.
The bridge closed in May 2023 for rehabilitation, which was originally scheduled to take 18 months. Several issues contributed to the delays, including material shortages, shipping delays, mechanical issues, and a lack of skilled ironworkers.
Now completed, the extensive rehabilitation modernized the structure and extended its service life by three decades. With an upgraded lift system, new deck, and several other improvements, the 110-year-old bridge will provide enhanced safety and resiliency along an important travel link to the Village of Brockport and its business district.
“I’d like to thank everyone in the Village of Brockport for their patience and understanding throughout the duration of this project, and I sincerely hope that residents and visitors appreciate the beauty and historical significance of this finished product, which will preserve the lifespan of this iconic lift bridge for future generations to enjoy,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.
The Route 19 steel truss lift bridge was built in 1915. As an important component of the Erie Canal system and a registered National Historic Landmark, the bridge benefits from protections that ensure it continues to look as it did early in the 20th century, with its trusses and lift towers preserved.
As part of the bridge’s rehabilitation, its decks and portions of the truss system were replaced with high-strength, galvanized steel. To complete work on the trusses, the bridge was dismantled and the trusses moved to an area near the Canal, where more than 80% of the steel was replaced. Upgrades were also made to the mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s vertical lifting system, which raises and lowers the bridge to accommodate canal traffic.
Additional improvements included the rehabilitation of the bridge towers, installation of new bridge rails, and repainting of the bridge in its existing shade of green. Pedestrian enhancements were also made, including new signage, pavement markings, and a realigned canal path on the bridge’s north end to improve visibility for both pedestrians and motorists.
While the lift bridge has reopened to traffic, construction activities will continue adjacent to the structure, and the traveling public should be advised of occasional short-term delays.
Rehabilitation of the State Route 19 bridge is part of a $29.1 million project to modernize and preserve New York State’s iconic canal structures. The project also included the Route 98 lift bridge over the Erie Canal in the nearby Village of Albion.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “We are thankful for the efforts of our partners at DOT to fully rehabilitate this historic lift bridge for the next generation of Brockport residents and visitors. We appreciate the patience of the community while this critical work was completed.”
Brockport’s small businesses have struggled throughout the closure and are hopeful that things will improve now that the bridge has reopened. Mayor Reed said, “The holidays are just around the corner, so as you drive down Main Street and cross our beautiful new bridge, take a moment to stop in and check out what Brockport has to offer. We’ve got such a great mix of shops, restaurants, and businesses, something for everyone!”
