ALBION, OSWEGO COUNTY -- The Oswego County Highway Department announced today that the county Route 48 bridge, otherwise known as Pineville Bridge, will soon be closed to traffic while it is taken down and replaced. The nearly 100-year-old bridge crosses the Salmon River in the town of Albion. Replacement of the bridge is tentatively scheduled to begin the week of September 20. The project is scheduled to be completed by August 2011.
"It is necessary to replace the (Pineville) bridge to ensure public safety," said Kurt Ospelt, superintendent of the Oswego County Highway Department. "In its deteriorating condition, the bridge represents a hazard to residents and visitors traveling across it or fishing near it."
Oswego County is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to minimize the impact on the river. Removal of the existing bridge is expected to take only one day and is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 22. Steel sheeting and approved turbidity control measures will be installed on either side of the shoreline to provide additional protection. Due to the short duration and protective measures, the DEC expects minimal impact on the fall salmon run.
Drift boat traffic will be restricted only in the vicinity of the bridge on the day of demolition. There will be no curtains or barriers placed across the width of the stream at any time during the project.
Ospelt added, "Due to the extent of construction required, it is necessary to start the project before winter sets in. Getting a head start will help meet our goal to complete the work by the end of next summer and ensure that the new bridge is installed in time for the start of the 2011 salmon season."
Work will take place through the fall and continue as long as weather conditions are favorable.
A traffic detour has been established using county Route 2A, Centerville Road and state Route 13. Proper signage will be in place prior to the start of the project.
For more information or traffic alerts, call the Oswego County Highway Department at 315-349-8331.
