State Department of Transportation Announces Opening of New Bridge Over Boquet River In Essex County

Contact: Scott Cook, (518) 485-7768
Release Date: November 01, 2024

State Department of Transportation Announces Opening of New Bridge Over Boquet River In Essex County

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of a $3.4 million project that replaced the bridge carrying State Route 22 over the Boquet River in the Town of Essex, Essex County. The new single span, steel girder bridge - which is now open to traffic - replaced a 91-year-old structure that had reached the end of its service life, enhancing safety, mobility and resiliency along an important connector route for North Country travelers. The new bridge is also longer than its predecessor, which will better protect the river's ecosystem, and has wider shoulders to better accommodate the pedestrians and cyclists who frequently travel this roadway to reach the Empire State Trail and other popular recreational destinations in the area.

"From New York City to the North Country and all points in between, New York State under Governor Hochul's leadership is prioritizing infrastructure that reconnects communities and improves access for all users of the transportation system," said Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "This new bridge, which utilizes state funds and federal funds made available under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, will help keep people and goods on the move while also making it easier for bikers and hikers to enjoy the historic Empire State Trail and all the scenic beauty that the North Country has to offer.'

State Route 22 is one of the longest north-south highways in New York, and one of the oldest components of the State's highway system, running along the eastern edge of the state from the Bronx to the Canadian border, crossing the Boquet River three times in Essex County, with the new bridge being the mid-point. To the south lies the idyllic Wadhams Falls and to the north there's world class salmon fishing in the Boquet in Willsboro. The highway in Essex County is also part of the historic Empire State Trail, which comprises 750 miles of pathways reaching from New York City to Buffalo and Canada. Additionally, the roadway is part of the popular New York State Bike Route 9, extending 345 miles from New York City to the New York - Quebec border.

Built in 1933, the old 110-foot-long bridge carried approximately 930 motor vehicles per day over the Boquet River. The new bridge is 30 feet longer than the original structure, which eliminated the need for in-water construction and minimized disturbances to the river's ecosystem. The five-foot-wide shoulders will better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists who share the roadway. NYSDOT also removed the original Department of Public Works Bridge Marker from the old bridge prior to demolition and presented it to town historians for preservation. The project received $2.7 million in federal funds from the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law.

Essex Town SupervisorKen Hughes said, "The Route 22 bridge over the Boquet River in Whallonsburg is part of vital road network that affords travelers from all over the world the opportunity to access the High Peaks of New York and beautiful New England through the eastern part of the Adirondacks. The NYS DOT did a terrific job of preparing the greater community for the major disruption of total bridge replacement on this vital route. Their engineers and staff were excellent partners with the Town of Essex to ensure that safety and ease of use for detouring traffic was of paramount importance. Their efficient work on the Route 22 bridge has proven beneficial to the community as they have completed the work a full two months ahead of the original proposed timeline. We in Essex and Whallonsburg thank the DOT for getting the job done well with as minimal impact to the Whallonsburg neighborhood as possible and look forward to enjoying the fruits of their labor for the next 90 years."

Chair of the Essex County Board of Supervisors Shaun Gillilland said, "New York State Department of Transportation has accomplished a fantastic and flawless feat of a technically complex bridge replacement over a regionally major waterway that is vital to Essex County transportation and commerce; all completed expeditiously with minimal interruption. Essex County truly appreciates the invaluable support and teamwork of NYSDOT."

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

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