New York Construction Report staff writer
New York State announced plans on Wednesday for a new $33 million project to replace the Route 11 bridge over the Oneida River in Brewerton.
A gussetless truss bridge, the new bridge will be more accesible for safety inspectors and maintenance workers as well as having sidewalks and decorative street lights.
The new bridge will be the first of its kind in New York and the second one in the entire country.
Built in the early 20th century, the current bridge has undergone multiple repairs and updates, the last major work occurring in 1986. However, with increasing wear and the growing need for more efficient transportation, a full replacement is underway. The new bridge will introduce a modern design, including a first-ever gussetless truss bridge in New York State. This innovative design is more resilient, improving accessibility for maintenance and offering enhanced durability. The new structure is expected to last up to 75 years, with the potential for even longer service through regular care and improved construction methods.
Demolition of the existing bridge is scheduled to begin this fall, with traffic shifted to a temporary one-lane bridge to maintain vehicle flow. The new gussetless truss bridge will be built in the same alignment as the current structure, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs. Key upgrades include new concrete piers, abutments, a reinforced deck, and an optimized drainage system to minimize runoff.
Additionally, the project will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by adding five-foot sidewalks on both sides of the bridge and installing decorative streetlights. The bridge’s design also includes eight-foot shoulders to accommodate emergency and disabled vehicles, while utilities will be relocated, further enhancing the structure’s durability and aesthetic appeal.
Construction on the new bridge is set to wrap up in 2026, with full completion expected in early 2027. Local officials have praised the project for its potential to strengthen the region’s infrastructure, boost safety, and support the continued growth of the local economy, benefiting both residents and the thousands of visitors who frequent the area each year.
