New York Construction Report staff writer
An $8.3 million project to replace the Beaver Island Parkway Bridge, a nearly 70-year-old structure over the Niagara Thruway (I-190) in Erie County, was launched this week.
Beginning April 3, the Beaver Island Bridge is scheduled to close to all traffic for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023, depending on weather conditions.
Union Concrete and Construction Corp. of West Seneca, NY is the contractor for the project.
Located in the Town of Grand Island, the bridge (milepost 15.46) was built in 1954 and carries approximately 13,000 vehicles per day over I-190. When completed, the new bridge will feature wider travel lanes and emergency shoulders, increased vertical clearance from 14’2″ to 16’9″, a new guiderail and new riding surface. The existing structure is expected to close to all traffic the week of April 3, weather dependent.
Since 2018, the Thruway Authority has funded more than $173.1 million in capital infrastructure projects in its Buffalo Division, including $80.9 million to replace or rehabilitate 69 bridges. The Thruway’s Buffalo Division spans from I-90 in Rochester to the Pennsylvania border, as well as the Niagara Thruway (I-190) from the Thruway mainline to Niagara Falls.
“The Beaver Island Parkway Bridge, like many other bridges on our roadway, is original to the Thruway system and is in need of replacement,” said Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank Hoare. “Motorists are seeing their toll dollars at work with infrastructure projects such as this one, reinvesting toll revenue back into the maintenance and long-term viability of our system.
“Addressing aging infrastructure is a top priority, and motorists will enjoy an improved travel experience on the new bridge once the project is complete.”
