New York gets federal approval for new Portageville Bridge

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
An upward visualization of the proposed replacement bridge.
New York State DOT

New York state has received federal approval for the plan to build a new arch bridge to replace the historic Portageville Bridge carrying the Norfolk Southern's Southern Tier Line over the Genesee River in Letchworth State Park.

 

The Federal Highway Administration has issued a Record of Decision for design and construction of the new bridge, which spans between Portage in Livingston County and Genesee Falls in Wyoming County.

“Today marks a critical milestone in our effort to build a new, modern arch bridge to carry freight along this important stretch of rail line,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By receiving the federal government’s approval, we can now move forward with this new project, which will replace the existing bridge and better incorporate it into the beautiful surroundings of Letchworth State Park. I am pleased that we have reached this stage in the project and I look forward to seeing construction begin in 2015.”

Federal approval completes the last step of the project’s environmental impact review and allows the railroad to move forward with implementing a plan to build a new bridge. The Final Environmental Impact Statement was issued on December 16, 2014, and contains a list of environmental impacts and other issues pertaining to construction, as well as the required mitigation measures.

Chief Executive Officer of Norfolk Southern Wick Moorman said, “A new improved Portageville Bridge will enhance NS’ ability to provide safe, reliable and efficient freight transportation to New York State and New England. We’re grateful to Gov. Cuomo for his vision and we appreciate the efforts of New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and our other public partners in their quick approvals to move the project to this point. Together we’re leading the way toward a new economic legacy in New York’s Southern Tier.”

Construction is expected to get underway in 2015 and will take approximately three years.

The existing bridge was built in 1875 and has been a prominent feature in Letchworth State Park for more than a century. The current bridge will be removed upon completion of the new arch span, which will be built just south of the current bridge.

The project will address existing deficiencies and build a bridge capable of carrying current industry standard freight rail loads and to the greatest degree possible meeting Federal Railroad Administration travel speeds, while reducing ongoing maintenance efforts and costs.

Construction of the new rail bridge is expected to cost approximately $71 million. NYSDOT has contributed $3 million in design costs and has secured $12.5 million of state and federal funding for construction costs. The balance would be provided by the railroad. The funding includes a grant of $2 million from the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.

 

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