Johnson City Bridge to Be Closed for Six Months for Rehab Project

A major bridge in the village of Johnson City is about to be shut down as construction crews prepare to replace the existing concrete deck and sidewalks.

Traffic will be detoured around the Lester Avenue bridge starting Monday. The bridge is expected to reopen in about six months.

Mayor Martin Meaney said the Lester Avenue span is one of the two bridges drivers use to travel between the north side and the south side of the village.

The bridge crosses the Norfolk Southern Railway tracks. Meaney notes much of the curb along the east side of the bridge has deteriorated in recent years.

The bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians while the project is underway.

Although there will be some inconvenience to Johnson City residents, the mayor said "it will be well worth it when it's done."

The rehab project was expected to have been done last year but the work was delayed. Early estimates indicated the job would cost about $2.5 million, although the actual amount may be higher. Meaney said most of the tab will be covered by the state and federal governments.

Johnson City drivers will have to deal with another construction detour soon. A section of Main Street will be closed soon for the long-awaited Square Deal Arch renovation project.

VIDEO: A look at Johnson City's Lester Avenue bridge on March 29, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.