Endangered Mussels May Be Moved Before Broome Bridge Demolition

Broome County's plan to remove an abandoned bridge is on hold because of concerns over an endangered species of mussels in the Susquehanna River.

The Center Village bridge in the town of Colesville was built in 1890. It has not been open to vehicular traffic since a new bridge was constructed nearby more than three decades ago.

The four-span truss bridge crosses the Susquehanna southeast of Harpursville. Pedestrians and bicyclists were allowed to use it for a time after it was closed to vehicles but they've been banned in recent years because of safety concerns.

Broome County executive Jason Garnar said preparations have been made to remove the unused rusting bridge.

But that project was put on hold because of the presence of mussels in the river near the site.

The state ordered a study be conducted to determine what impact the bridge removal work might have on endangered mussels.

The study was to have been completed in August. Garnar told WNBF News the state is reviewing the findings. He said the county is waiting to find out "if the amount of mussels under the bridge is an actionable event."

The bottom line, according to the county executive: "We may have to move the mussels to a different place" prior to starting the bridge removal job.

Garnar said the county is waiting to find out if some "mussel-moving" will be required before the demolition project begins. He didn't say how much that task might cost.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation was unable to provide information about the results of the Center Village mussel study.

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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.