Repairs Completed Under Binghamton Bridge Damaged by Arson Fire

A Broome County bridge that sustained structural damage in a blaze set in a homeless encampment has been repaired.

The fire under the VFW Memorial Bridge on Bevier Street on Binghamton's North Side occurred on December 13.

A man who was having a "mental health crisis" reportedly was taken into custody at Otsiningo Park shortly after the blaze was reported. He was not charged in what Binghamton fire department investigators said was a case of arson.

The intense fire burned clothing, blankets, cooking utensils and other items where people had been living under the bridge that crosses the Chenango River.

The bridge was closed to traffic for a short time after the incident while engineers assessed the structure for potential safety issues.

The inspection revealed the fire had caused some melting and warping of the steel on the east end of the bridge.

Initial estimates indicated the needed repairs could cost between $30,000 and $35,000.

According to the Broome County executive's office, the total cost of the needed work actually was $9,500.

Most of the repairs were completed in early March, but a defective product that was received for the job delayed the project. The repairs were finished after a replacement part was delivered.

The repair work was performed by ZMK Construction of Apalachin.

VIDEO: An inspection under a section of the Bevier Street bridge in Binghamton on December 14, 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.