For Immediate Release: January 14, 2010
Contact: David M. Coriell, Office of the Governor (802) 828-3333
John Zicconi , Vermont Agency of Transportation (802) 828-1647
Montpelier – Governor Jim Douglas today joined New York Governor David Paterson to announce the design for the new Lake Champlain Bridge . Design work will begin immediately on the Modified Network Tied Arch Bridge concept, which was the preferred choice for replacement.
“This is another important step forward,” Governor Douglas said. “Both the public and our bridge engineers agree that this is an appropriate design to replace the historic Lake Champlain Bridge . It will fit easily into the historic surroundings and be a source of pride for residents of both states for years to come.”
“The selection of a design concept for the replacement of the Lake Champlain Bridge is a major step in restoring this critical connection between New York and Vermont ,” Governor Paterson said. “ New York and Vermont ’s transportation agencies identified the Modified Network Tied Arch Bridge as the overwhelming favorite of the people who live near and depend on this vital link. The next phase of design work will begin immediately as we continue our efforts to restore this important transportation connection.”
Public preference was one of the many factors considered in the recommendation by Vermont and New York to move ahead with this unique arch structure option. In an online survey and at public meetings held in December and January, the Modified Network Tied Arch Bridge design had overwhelming support. The Public Advisory Committee (PAC), created by Vermont and New York, also recommended this design option in December after gathering input from the public, elected officials and other interested groups.
The Modified Network Tied Arch Bridge is a steel structure that meets all the design criteria. It has a basket handle arch with a network cable arrangement and internally redundant box tie girders supporting a composite precast deck system. The visually pleasing design compliments the natural environment and the historical setting of the bridge. The design’s lifespan is estimated to be at least 75 years.
Construction on the new bridge is slated to begin this spring, with completion expected by late summer 2011. Vermont and New York will share the costs of construction, which are expected to be approximately $75 million.
For a rendering and more details about the design visit: https://www.nysdot.gov/lakechamplainbridge/alternatives.
