Planned Opening of New Bridge Near Chenango Forks Delayed

An old steel deck bridge in Chenango Forks will remain open a bit longer than planned because work on a $12.6 million replacement span hasn't been completed.

Electronic message boards had advised drivers that the new bridge over the Chenango River would open on August 28. But the signs have been changed. They now indicate the 470-foot-long bridge is scheduled to go into operation the following week.

A state Department of Transportation spokesperson said September 5 is the revised target date for the bridge to go into operation. That date should be met "if the weather cooperates."

New signage and traffic signals have been installed to guide motorists when the new bridge opens

The new multi-girder structure will replace an 85-year-old steel deck bridge that has been described as "scary" by some who travel on it. The deck and the steel plates that line sections of the bridge pose special challenges for motorcyclists.

The new bridge has 11-foot-wide travel lanes and five-foot-wide shoulders in each direction to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

Some people who live near the old bridge aren't pleased the state is planning to tear it down. They would prefer that it be maintained for pedestrian use.

The state is moving forward with demolition plans. The DOT has not announced when the steel deck bridge will be removed. 

VIDEO: Watch and listen as vehicles travel over the old steel deck bridge over the Chenango River.

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