$1.85 million Erie County Investment Rehabilitates 100-year-old Bridge in Eden Over the
South Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek; Project is Substantially Complete and Open to Traffic
ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Public Works’ Highways Division has announced the substantial completion of the Clarksburg Road bridge over the South Branch of Eighteen Mile Creek in Eden. This historic bridge was struck in the truss’s northeast corner by a propane truck on October 15, 2020, causing major damage to the bridge. The bridge was immediately closed to all traffic, both to vehicles and pedestrians, as it was deemed unsafe.
Several alternatives were considered, including the complete removal of the bridge and replacement with a more modern steel bridge. The selected alternative was to rehabilitate the existing bridge, replacing damaged components with those that matched the original construction to the best extent possible, thereby maintaining the historic appearance of the bridge. The work included both repairs to those areas damaged by the truck impact, as well as to those which were otherwise deteriorating and in need of repairs.
Bids for the work were opened in August 2023, with a low bid of $1.85 million. Work began in Spring 2024 and the bridge was re-opened to traffic in December 2024. Crews will be completing minor site work and related paving at the bridge this Spring.
“Bridges are a critical but very expensive part of our infrastructure, and our Erie County weather ensures that they need a lot of maintenance,” said Commissioner of Public Works Bill Geary. “The Clarksburg bridge is a relatively small but still important span in Eden, and this investment will give it many more years of useful life.”
The bridge will remain posted for fifteen tons and restricted to a single lane of traffic, matching its original historic characteristics.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Public Works, visit https://www3.erie.gov/dpw/
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