The historic lift bridge carrying State Route 98 (North Main Street) over the Erie Canal in the village of Albion, has reopened to traffic following an extensive rehabilitation that modernized the structure and extended its service life by approximately 30 years. With a new deck, upgraded lift system and other improvements, the 111-year-old bridge will now provide enhanced safety and resiliency for an important travel link to Albion’s bustling business corridor and the vibrant tourism scene along the Erie Canal.
Originally built in 1914, the State Route 98 steel truss lift bridge is an important part of the Erie Canal system, which is a registered National Historic Landmark. As such, it 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 rehabilitation project, the bridge’s deck 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 a lot adjacent to the Canal, where more than 80% of the steel was replaced.
Updates were also made to the mechanical and electrical components within the bridge’s vertical lifting system, which raises and lowers the bridge to accommodate marine traffic.
Additional improvements included the rehabilitation of the bridge towers, installation of new bridge rails and repainting in the bridge’s existing shade of green. Sidewalks leading to the bridge were also replaced to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Additionally, NYSDOT donated original elements of the historic structure to the Village of Albion, which commissioned local artists to create a solar-powered lamppost and bench from the donated materials. They were installed alongside a time capsule and interpretive panel in the newly dedicated Erie Canal Park adjacent to the bridge.
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 bridge is part of a $29.1 million project to modernize and preserve New York State’s Canal structures. The project also includes the State Route 19 lift bridge over the Erie Canal in Brockport.
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