Broome County Moving Mussels for Bridge Demolition Job

An abandoned Broome County bridge that hasn't been used for decades may finally be removed this year - but only if proper steps are taken to protect Susquehanna River mussels.

The old Center Village Bridge in the town of Colesville has been closed to vehicles for more than a quarter century since a new river crossing was opened in 1990.

For years, the county has been making preparations to take out the unused bridge - but there's an obstacle in what normally would be a relatively simple project.

County Executive Jason Garnar said the state Department of Environmental Conservation won't allow the work to begin until an endangered species of mussels can be relocated.

Garnar said a plan to move the mussels to another spot in the river will be put into effect sometime between May 15 and September 30.

The county executive said DEC guidelines require the relocation operation to be done during that period.

Garnar said the mussels "have to be taken to a safer place lest one of the steel beams from the bridge falls on them." He said the county has retained a firm to remove the mussels.

He said it's now expected the bridge will be demolished sometime around November.

The entire bridge removal project - including the mussel protection plan - is expected to cost around $500,000.

Garnar expressed frustration over the mussel-moving requirements. He said "it's really increased our costs." He suggested the total bill for taking out the old bridge may wind up being double what the county originally expected before encountering the mussel-related delays.

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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.