I-81 Bridge in Dickinson Gone but Fencing Has Yet to Be Installed

Demolition crews removed a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 81 north of Binghamton in November but the project remains incomplete.

The walkway between Old Front Street and Bevier Street in the town of Dickinson was in use for more than a half-century.

Residents of the Sunrise Terrace neighborhood used the narrow span to walk to Otsiningo Park and to Binghamton's North Side.

Although the bridge is gone, some people in the town of Dickinson have wondered why no protective fencing has been installed along I-81 where the walkway was located.

Town supervisor Michael Marinaccio said officials are concerned about the situation. He said the state Department of Transportation was contacted shortly after the bridge demolition work was completed.

Marinaccio said he's been assured that the contractor eventually will install fencing on both ends of the pathways that had led to the crossing over the highway. He said that should make things "a little safer."

DOT spokesperson Scott Cook confirmed that plans do call for fencing to put in as part of the walkway removal project. That work is expected to occur in the spring.

Cold Spring Construction Company of western New York was paid $534,000 for the project. The walkway, which opened in 1968, cost $312,000 to build.

VIDEO: The view above Interstate 81 looking east toward Otsiningo Park where an elevated walkway stood for more than 55 years.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.