Susquehanna River Mussels Delay Broome Bridge Demolition Job

A Broome County bridge that was closed to traffic decades ago still can't be removed because of some mussels that reside in the Susquehanna River.

County officials have been working for years to obtain state approval to tear down the 136-year-old Center Village Bridge in the town of Colesville.

Traffic began using a replacement bridge in 1990. The old structure remained open to pedestrians and bicyclists for several years but it eventually was closed to everyone because of structural deterioration.

The Center Village Bridge in the town of Colesville on June 22, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

County Executive Jason Garnar initially expected the bridge demolition project could occur in 2024. But planning was halted after beds of endangered mussels were found living in the river.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation required the county to come up with a way to relocate the mussels so they would not be harmed by the bridge removal operation.

At one point, it appeared the job could be done this year but that's not going to happen.

The Center Village Bridge over the Susquehanna River was built by the Groton Bridge Company in 1890 Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News (file)

According to Garnar's office, it now appears the demolition will occur during the 2027 construction season.

In a statement to WNBF News, the office said the county is "continuing to work with the DEC on the necessary permitting and environmental requirements, including the mussel relocation plan."