Second phase begins on Parkway Bridge project over Salmon Creek in Greece Exit ramp at Manitou Beach Road (Route 261) now closed
According to New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald, a milestone in the $4.7 million project to replace the eastbound and westbound bridges carrying four lanes of the Lake Ontario State Parkway over Salmon Creek in the town of Greece, Monroe County has been reached. Work to replace the eastbound structure that began in January is now complete and traffic has been shifted. A single lane in each direction continues to be open.
“Replacing the Lake Ontario State Parkway bridge over Salmon Creek is an important safety project that must be done carefully in order to protect the surrounding wetlands and animal habitats,” Commissioner McDonald said. “I am proud to see the first phase to build the eastbound bridge was completed and ask the community for continued patience during construction of the westbound bridge.”
As part of this project, the westbound exit ramp to Manitou Beach Road (Route 261) is closed through late December while construction operations are underway. A detour will direct traffic to use Payne Beach Road. The detour will be lifted during the winter shutdown and be put in place again in the spring when construction resumes. The purpose for the ramp closure is an anticipated sight distance concern for westbound traffic traveling through the work zone exiting at Route 261.
The existing bridge, built in 1954, is being replaced with two new bridges on the same alignment. The new structures will incorporate features to minimize the need for future maintenance. The existing Medina Sandstone facing on the bridge will be retained with spot repairs to damaged areas. The new bridges will allow ample space for bicyclists riding on the Parkway.
Salmon Creek is an aquatic refuge for numerous Great Lakes species as it flows into the adjacent Braddock Bay State Park. Because of the wetlands, spawning and other wildlife activities, construction work in the stream is restricted for 3.5 months in the spring and 1.5 months in the fall. Consideration for the environment and the desire to maintain two-way traffic across the stream extends the duration of the project.
A fishing platform featuring recycled, composite decking will be built to provide a safe place for anglers to access the waters of Salmon Creek and Braddock Bay that will be separated from traffic. An established walkway from the parking lot on Manitou Road will be constructed replacing the worn foot path.
The new structures are expected to be complete by October 2014. Miscellaneous tasks may continue through June 2015.
11/24/13
