State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $3.4 Million Bridge Replacement Project on State Route 5 in Chautauqua County

State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $3.4 Million Bridge Replacement Project on State Route 5 in Chautauqua County

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of a $3.4 million bridge replacement project on State Route 5 in the Town of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County. The project replaced the nearly 100-year-old bridge over Canadaway Creek with a modern structure that will enhance safety and ease travel for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians along this important roadway in Western New York. This stretch of State Route 5 is part of the historic Great Lakes Seaway Trail and is a popular route for sightseers as well as local commuters and commercial vehicles traveling through the scenic Lake Erie corridor.

"State Route 5 is an integral part of everyday life for the people who live along this stretch of Chautauqua County as well as the many visitors who come to take in the area's natural beauty and charm," Commissioner Dominguez said. "Thanks to Governor Hochul's commitment to making smart investments in our infrastructure and public safety, this project delivered a bridge that's built to last while also making the route more accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians."

The project included construction of a new 115-foot-long by 43-foot-wide bridge with one lane of traffic in each direction and new eight-foot shoulders to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Work also included stabilization of the banks of Canadaway Creek to help minimize erosion. The adjacent Canadaway Creek Nature Sanctuary was not impacted by the project.

The new bridge also features an enhanced steel protection system designed to prevent corrosion and extend the structure's service life. The process included spraying molten metal onto the steel girders, combined with a new specialized paint technology to provide added protection against the elements and improve the bridge's long-term durability.

The bridge crosses Canadaway Creek, a waterway with a notable place in local history. A nearby historical plaque commemorates the area as the site where the first exchange of hostilities in the War of 1812 occurred at the mouth of Canadaway Creek. The project replaces aging infrastructure while maintaining an important transportation connection in a community with deep historical roots.

The project was completed on budget and ahead of schedule.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "The State Route 5 bridge over Canadaway Creek is a vital corridor along Lake Erie, but after nearly 100 years of use, it was nearing the end of its useful life. I was proud to deliver $2.7 million from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to replace the bridge, making it easier and safer to travel through Dunkirk. The new bridge has more lanes for drivers and improved paths for pedestrians and cyclists. I fought to create the Bridge Formula Program because I know how important boosting federal investment in bridges is for protecting travelers' safety while also creating good-paying jobs. I'm proud that the law is paving the way for a safer future in Western New York."

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "I'm proud to have helped secure millions in federal funding to modernize the State Route 5 bridge in Dunkirk. Replacing this century-old bridge will improve safety and ease travel across the Western New York region. I thank Governor Hochul for her partnership in upgrading New Yorkers' infrastructure to meet the needs of our communities, and I will continue to fight for the replenishment of the bridge formula program so more projects like these can happen across New York State."

Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. "PJ" Wendel Jr. said, "This $3.4 million investment is a win for Chautauqua County and everyone who relies on Route 5. The new Canadaway Creek bridge improves safety and strengthens a vital connection for our residents, businesses, and visitors traveling along the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline. I want to thank the New York State Department of Transportation for making this project a reality. Investments like these are essential to keeping our communities connected and our region moving forward."

Dunkirk Town Supervisor Shari Miller said, "It is with great relief that this well-traveled bridge along the Seaway Trail reached its completion before the deadline that was given to us. The Chautauqua County NYSDOT team was great to work with and very responsive to our concerns. When we needed more signage, they responded immediately. I am very happy to have traffic flowing again."

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

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