
NY to Replace State Route 46 Bridge Over Oneida Creek with $4.3M Project
State Route 46 bridge over Oneida Creek to close 7/26/2024. NYSDOT to build new, resilient $4.3M bridge, reducing maintenance costs.

The State Route 46 bridge over the Oneida Creek from Verona in Oneida County to Oneida in Madison County is set to undergo a major transformation, bringing both challenges and opportunities for the local community. The impending changes, scheduled to take place within a specific timeframe, are expected to have a significant impact on transportation and safety in the region. Let's explore the details of this infrastructure development and its implications for the area.
The Bridge Closure
Commencing on July 26, 2024, the State Route 46 bridge over the Oneida Creek will be closed to the public, marking the beginning of a crucial phase in the planned upgrade. The closure will necessitate the implementation of alternative routes and travel arrangements for commuters and residents who frequent this vital connection between the two counties. While the inconvenience of the closure is inevitable, it paves the way for the commencement of the much-needed construction project that is poised to bring about substantial long-term benefits.
Infrastructure Investment
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has allocated a substantial budget of $4.3 million, sourced from both state and federal funds, to facilitate the replacement of the existing bridge with a modernized structure. This significant investment underscores the authorities' commitment to enhancing the region's infrastructure and ensuring the safety and efficiency of its transportation networks. The new bridge is envisioned as a resilient and long-term solution that will address the current bridge's operational limitations and vulnerability to environmental factors.
Enhanced Safety and Resilience
The deteriorating condition of the current two-span bridge, which was constructed in 1957, has necessitated its replacement to mitigate the escalating maintenance costs and safety risks. The forthcoming construction project will introduce a new 170-foot single-span bridge that is designed to offer enhanced safety features and resilience. Notably, the new bridge's design will eliminate the need for a central pier in the Oneida Creek, a modification that will reduce its susceptibility to erosion and enhance its ability to accommodate increased water flow, consequently mitigating the risk of flooding during adverse weather conditions. These critical improvements will contribute to a more robust and secure transportation infrastructure, aligning with the state's objectives of fortifying its assets against the impacts of climate change.
Project Timeline and Completion
The ambitious endeavor to replace the State Route 46 bridge over the Oneida Creek is slated to be finalized by the end of November, signaling a relatively expedited timeline for the completion of this intricate construction project. Upon its completion, the new bridge will not only offer improved functionality and safety features but will also encompass the repaving of Route 45 between the State Route 316/County Route 63 intersection and County Route 48. Additionally, the installation of new signage and guide rails will further contribute to enhancing the overall quality and safety of the transportation corridor.
Share news