Binghamton Bridge Open After $3M Repair Job

The Exchange Street bridge which carries traffic over the Susquehanna River has reopened following a multi-million dollar renovation project.

The $3 million repair job started on April 1. Mayor Richard David was at the bridge as it was put back into service Monday morning.

David previously had said he expected the renovation work would cost more than originally anticipated because engineers discovered the bridge was in worse shape after the project began.

Heavier vehicles now are able to use the span, which links the downtown district with the South Side. The new posted weight limit is 15 tons; the limit had been 12 tons prior to the repair project.

Before the bridge was closed, officials said it was used by about 10,000 vehicles a day.

Despite the five-month renovation job, spray-painted graffiti still mars the railings on both the east and west sides of the span.

The troubled bridge has been the scene of at least one death because of poor conditions. In 1970, a city public works department employee was killed when a snow sweeper he was operating plunged into the river when a section of sidewalk gave way.

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