VAN BUREN — Nearly two years after the Van Buren Town Board passed a resolution condemning a New York State Thruway Authority proposal to remove the Canton Street Bridge over the Thruway, work is now underway to replace the bridge.
Work began June 1 on the $4.7 million project with an expected completion date of May 2023. Dates are subject to change. Warners-based firm Slate Hill Constructors, Inc., has been selected as the project contractor.
“After feedback from residents and meeting with local leaders, the Thruway Authority decided to move forward with replacing the Canton Street Bridge this spring,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “When this project is complete, motorists will be traveling over a safer and more reliable bridge to meet their local transportation needs.”
Among the features of the new bridge will be “increased vertical clearance to meet current engineering standards, new guiderail, reflective line striping, and [continued] pedestrian access,” according to a June 1 news release from the Thruway Authority.
The Thruway Authority reversed course on its original idea to remove the bridge in June 2021 after pressure from elected officials at the local, county and state levels.
The Canton Street Bridge was built in 1954. In recent years, the pier columns and caps of the bridge had begun cracking and spalling, or breaking down.
The Thruway Authority recommended a 1.2 mile detour to the Warners-Iona bridge. The detour would take drivers from Canton Street to Warners Road, to the Warners-Iona bridge over I-90, then Brickyard Road to Canton Street.
Drivers also may download the NYS Thruway Authority mobile app for real-time traffic updates, roadside assistance and more. The app is available for iPhone or Android. Visit thruway.ny.gov/travelers/mobile-app.html to learn more.
