Governor Hochul Announces Start of $5 Million Bridge Replacement Project Over the Thruway in Onondaga County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $5 million bridge replacement project on the New York State Thruway in Onondaga County. The Schepps Corners Road bridge, milepost 274.4, in the Town of Manlius will be replaced with a modern structure featuring numerous safety upgrades and an increased vertical clearance.

“Bridges such as this are essential to connecting local communities and are depended on by residents and businesses to enhance the quality of life and boost the economy,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to build back better by investing and creating a more modern, reliable infrastructure system fit for the future.”

The former bridge is original to the Thruway system and was built in 1953. The bridge carries Schepps Corners Road over the NYS Thruway (I-90) and is one of dozens more than 60 years old on the Thruway that need to be replaced. Approximately 2,600 vehicles per day travel over the bridge.

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank G. Hoare, Esq. said, “The Thruway is reinvesting hundreds of millions of toll dollars into upgrading an almost 70-year-old Thruway system. The replacement of the Schepps Corners Road bridge is one of the dozens of projects taking place this year to modernize our transportation infrastructure which will allow the Thruway to remain one of the safest and most reliable superhighways in the nation.”

State Senator John W. Mannion said, "The $5 million Schepps Corners Road bridge replacement over the Thruway is a perfect example of why prioritizing infrastructure investments is so important. It demonstrates our commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. I’m grateful to the Thruway Authority and Governor Hochul for their commitment to keeping roads and bridges in Central New York safe and well-maintained.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The Governor's investment of $5 million to replace the over 70-year-old Schepps Corners Road Bridge on I-90 in the Town of Manlius with a modern structure is good news for the 127th district. Updating our infrastructure ensures that commuters will have a safer ride with wider shoulders, new safety guiderails, as well as increased vertical clearance. I am especially pleased with the environmental impact this project will have to protect and benefit our nearby wetlands that slow down the speed of flooding in our area.”

Village of Minoa Mayor William F. Brazill said, “On behalf of the community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your commitment to improving our infrastructure. The recent allocation of $5 million for the bridge replacement project is a testament to your dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. Your support is truly appreciated, and we look forward to the positive impact this investment will have on our community for years to come.”

Manlius Town Supervisor John Deer said, "The Town of Manlius is excited for the work that is to be done on the Schepps Corners Road Bridge. Improvements to local infrastructure are vital as we deal with the effects of climate change and this improvement will go a long way in helping the Town of Manlius in managing our wetlands. The additional benefits of safer and smoother travel conditions for residents are welcomed."

The existing structure will be replaced with a new bridge featuring increased vertical clearance from 14’5” to 16’11”, wider shoulders, new safety guiderail and an improved riding surface. The project also includes environmental improvements in run-off and erosion protection to benefit nearby wetlands such as adding stone gutters on each corner of the new bridge that will slow down run off and filter it away from the roadway. An erosion control mat will be installed on all embankments, establishing new grasslands that will absorb stormwater and reduce runoff. Beginning Wednesday, March 20, the Schepps Corners Road bridge will be closed to all traffic for the duration of the project. A 5.5-mile detour will be in place. Motorists should take Kirkville Road to N. Manlius Road. Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns or stoppages on the Thruway during construction. Variable Message Signs will advise motorists of the construction work and detour information. A map of the detour route is available here.

Slate Hill Constructors of Warners, NY is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2024. The work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change.

Motorists are reminded that in New York State, fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

The Automated Work Zone Speed Monitoring pilot program was established by legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The safety enforcement program began in 2023 and will be in effect in various construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance on the go.

Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map for real-time traffic updates and sign up for TRANSalerts for traffic information.

Overall, $2.4 billion will be invested over the next five years into the Thruway’s Capital Program, a $500 million increase compared to the 2023 Budget. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately half of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 lane miles as well as projects on approximately 90 of Thruway’s 817 bridges. Bridge work will include replacements, rehabs, paintings, joint replacements, vertical clearance improvements, etc.

View the article here.