GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — The Beaver Island Parkway Bridge will soon be replaced this spring.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced an $8.3 million project to replace the bridge over the I-190.
The current bridge, located on Grand Island, was built in 1954. About 13,000 vehicles pass over it daily.
The project is expected to begin the week of March 27.
"Grand Island is an integral international gateway for tourism and commercial traffic into New York State, welcoming millions of people from Canada each year," Governor Hochul said in a news release.
"By replacing this nearly 70-year-old bridge, the Thruway Authority continues to modernize the state's transportation infrastructure, creating an improved travel experience and easier commutes for New Yorkers."
The NYS Thruway Authority will close the bridge to all traffic the week of April 3. A 3.8 mile detour will direct traffic to exit 19 (Whitehaven Road) to access the I-190 north or south. Motorists traveling on I-190S can take South Parkway to exit 18 (Beaver Island State Park).
The new bridge will have wider travel lanes and emergency shoulders. The vertical clearance will be increased from 14 feet, 2 inches to 16-9. New guardrails will also be added, as well as a new riding surface.
Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank Hoare added, "The Beaver Island Parkway Bridge, like many other bridges on our roadway, is original to the Thruway system and is in need of replacement. Motorists are seeing their toll dollars at work with infrastructure projects such as this one, reinvesting toll revenue back into the maintenance and long-term viability of our system. Addressing aging infrastructure is a top priority, and motorists will enjoy an improved travel experience on the new bridge once the project is complete."
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. The construction schedule is dependent on the weather.
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