(Host) Work has resumed on the archway of the new Lake Champlain Bridge connecting Crown Point, New York and West Addison, Vermont.
The archway is being built off-site in Port Henry, New York at Velez Marina. But work stalled in early May, due to record flooding on Lake Champlain.
New York State Transportation Engineer John Grady says the water has receded and workers have begun assembling the floor of the archway. It will be floated to the bridge site later this year.
Meanwhile, Grady says construction of the approach spans continued despite the flooding, but the high water did cause some delays:
(Grady) "We did lose our causeways, our access points on both sides, the more critical one the New York causeway is where we receive deliveries of materials, we were able to raise the elevation of that causeway by adding additional stone."
(Host) The concrete substructures are complete, and the steel approach spans are being put in place. And work has begun on the Vermont side of the bridge to prep the steel beams for concrete decking.
The bridge project has seen several delays but Grady says the contractor is working to speed up the project:
(Grady) "Both with the obstructions during our underwater work, with the severe winter with high winds ,and unfortunately as everyone knows with the terrible flooding conditions that Champlain experienced this year, we’re doing everything we can to overcome those".
(Host) The new Lake Champlain Bridge is expected to open on October 9.