Area residents lamented the detours needed last boating season when the Washington Street bridge over the Erie Canal was raised and remained that way until the end of the navigation season. A meeting this week will collect input and discuss plans for what is next for the span. Photograph by Walter Horylev, summer 2002.

Input invited on Adams Basin bridge’s future rehab

The New York State Department of Transportation is in the process of developing design studies for the rehabilitation of the Washington Street Lift Bridge in the hamlet of Adams Basin, in Ogden. NYSDOT will host a public information meeting to update the community on the project plans and to solicit input and comments.

The community is encouraged to speak with DOT project staff at the Ogden Community Center, 269 Ogden Center Road, on Tuesday, March 18, from 4:30 p.m. A short technical presentation will be given at 7 p.m. DOT is seeking input on the proposed plans from the community including neighbors, commuters, business owners and others with an interest in the project.

The objective of the proposed bridge project is to return the existing lift bridge to full load carrying capacity and functionality. The bridge is presently posted for four tons. During last year’s canal boating season, the bridge was raised to the raised position due to stresses discovered on the raising and lowering mechanisms. Boats were allowed to navigate under the bridge, but vehicles had to detour by a different route than Route 36 to cross.

Interested individuals who cannot attend the meetings are encouraged to send written comments and suggestions to Brian McMahon, Regional Design Engineer, 1530 Jefferson Road, Rochester, NY 14623 or electronically to jpicard@dot.state.ny.us by March 28.