The state of New York in the US has completed replacing 80 bridges with new structures, as part of the $542m Empire Bridge programme.

The programme, which has been administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, intends to upgrade 100 aging, vulnerable structures across the state to make them stronger to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Completion of the latest work has allowed the state to finish more than three-quarters of work under the Empire Bridge programme.

The state is currently constructing the remaining 20 bridges of the programme.

All of the upgraded bridges have been open to traffic, but minor works, including landscaping and installing signage, are expected to continue for a while.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: “Across New York, we are investing in transportation infrastructure, making vulnerable and aging bridges stronger and more resilient against severe weather.

“Across New York, we are investing in transportation infrastructure, making vulnerable and aging bridges stronger and more resilient against severe weather.”

“This milestone makes our transportation network in every corner of this state safer and more reliable for New Yorkers and more durable against anything Mother Nature throws our way.”

Before the upgrade, the bridges featured in the Empire Bridge Programme could serve everyday traffic but were vulnerable to scour caused by the intensity of water from extreme natural events.

Various improvements such as upgrading concrete bridge abutments and / or piers by adding steel or concrete pile foundations and increasing the size of waterway openings were carried out under the newly completed parts of the programme.

Upon completion, the Empire Bridge programme will be able to reduce the potential highway travel delays and detours during heavy rains and floods.

The programme is also expected to offer better access to lifesaving emergency services during extreme storms or natural disasters.