New Bridge Deck, Bearings and Sidewalks Will Enhance Safety on Important Crossing Over Indian River
WATERTOWN, NY — New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the start of a $4.1 million project to rehabilitate the U.S. Route 11 bridge – which is known as the New York State Trooper Joel R. Davis Memorial Bridge – over Indian River in the Village and Town of Philadelphia, Jefferson County. The project, which includes the replacement of the bridge deck and bearings, will enhance safety and ease travel along an important connector that provides access to Interstate 81 and is often used by travelers to reach nearby Fort Drum and numerous area retail establishments. The bridge is named in honor of State Trooper Joel R. Davis, who was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance in July of 2017.
“Investments in infrastructure like this bridge rehabilitation project demonstrate New York State’s commitment to creating a 21st Century transportation network that brings people together and allows our communities to flourish,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “This project is the latest in a series of improvements the Department of Transportation has made to roadways around Fort Drum and it will help ensure that an important connector for North Country travelers remains open and accessible for many years to come, allowing people and goods can get where they need to go safely and with a minimum of delays.”
In addition to the replacement of the bridge deck and bearings, the project will make repairs to the concrete substructures and add new guiderail and sidewalks to the structure, which was designed and constructed during the 1950s.
Local roads will remain open during construction but motorists will encounter alternating traffic controlled by temporary signals along U.S. Route 11 at the project site. Those traveling through the area may encounter minor delays and should plan accordingly. Work is expected to be complete by the fall of 2023.
The project compliments previous work by the State Department of Transportation to enhance safety, reduce congestion and improve mobility along the roadways that provide access to Fort Drum, a vital economic engine for the North country. They include:
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The construction a roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Route 11 with Mill and LeRay streets in the Town of Pamelia.
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The realignment of the intersection of State Route 26 on Fort Drum with Oneida and Ontario avenues to improve safety and reduce congestion.
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The reconstruction of a one-mile stretch of Nash Boulevard and the erection of a new bridge.
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New turning lanes at the intersection of U.S. Route 11 and State Route 26 and a new a slip ramp onto State Route 26 for northbound traffic on U.S. Route 11.
State Senator Patty Ritchie said, “The U.S. Route 11 Bridge over Indian River is a vital component of the North Country’s transportation network. I want to thank the New York State Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of making investments in its rehabilitation and look forward to seeing how they enhance safety, as well as make travel easier for those looking to access various points of interest throughout our region, including Fort Drum.”
Assemblymember Mark Walczyk said, “The Joel Davis Bridge is a fixture in the community, serving as a reminder of the bravery of Trooper Davis who was taken from us far too soon. I’d like to thank the Commissioner for making these common-sense improvements to this critically important bridge. This investment will help strengthen our region’s infrastructure and help ensure the legacy of Trooper Davis remains intact for years to come.”
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.
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