Bridge Repairs Continue Near Binghamton Fatal Fire Site

Construction crews are moving forward on a project to repair the Court Street Bridge in Binghamton in the aftermath of last winter's blaze that killed Firefighter John "JR" Gaudet."

The project in the area around 1 Main Street at the west end of the bridge over the Chenango River began a few weeks ago.

Two buildings were destroyed in the raging fire that occurred nearly six months ago.

The debris was removed from the scene shortly after the blaze. Mayor Jared Kraham said that left a gap where the bridge ended and Main Street starts.

The city hired bridge engineering experts to assess the span. The mayor said there was "no structural damage" to the bridge. But it was determined that the below-surface vault areas of the buildings needed to be addressed.

The decorative railing on the south side of the bridge also must be extended to the next remaining building on Main Street.

Kraham said the work will basically "mirror what's on the northern side of the bridge."

The mayor said it's not a new design but effectively a continuation of what has existed on the span.

It may take a few months for the project to be completed because some of the design elements of the extended bridge railing may not be delivered until this fall.

Vacri Construction of Binghamton was awarded a $195,000 contract for the planned work.

Kraham said he "would be shocked if there was ever a new building" constructed on the site where the fire occurred because of FEMA flood maps that likely would preclude future development.

The mayor said there have been discussions about construction of a memorial honoring JR Gaudet at the site. But, he said, that site might not be the most appropriate location for a memorial.

Kraham said city officials have been working with the firefighters' union to develop a plan to honor Gaudet's memory.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to the Court Street Bridge on August 4, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.