Broome County’s “Forgotten Bridge” to Be Demolished
A 133-year-old Susquehanna River bridge won't be restored. Instead, it's expected to be removed by Broome County.
The abandoned span in Center Village in the town of Colesville hasn't been used by vehicles since a new bridge was constructed just south of it in 1990.
The old bridge, which was constructed in 1890, continued to deteriorate to the point where it eventually was closed to pedestrians and bicyclists.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said Colesville town officials "are supportive of our desire to remove this bridge."
Garnar told WNBF News the project probably will cost "a couple hundred thousand dollars to tear down." He said the county will cover the cost of the bridge removal project.
Garnar said the county engineering department has contacted the New York State Historic Preservation Office to obtain the needed clearance to remove the old structure. He said the county is waiting for state approval to move forward on the demolition plan.
After the clearance has been obtained, the county will seek bids for the project and secure the proper permits to remove the bridge.
The county executive said the demolition job likely would not occur before early next year.
A woman who lives near the now-closed bridge recalled some interesting situations as drivers occasionally didn't want to allow another vehicle to proceed across the one-lane span.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.