The Government of New York has opened the new South Cascade Drive-Miller Road Bridge, over Cattaraugus Creek in the US towns of Concord, Erie County and Ashford, Cattaraugus County. 

The South Cascade Drive-Miller Road Bridge was formerly known as Route 219.

The $16.9m project was completed using the design-build process and is reported to have opened ahead of schedule.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said: "Continued investment in our transportation infrastructure is critical for improving the quality of life for New Yorkers in every corner of the state.

"The replacement of the South Cascade Drive-Miller Road Bridge restores this vital link between Erie and Cattaraugus counties that residents and the local economy depend on and helps pave the way for future growth in the region."

For construction of the new bridge, officials completely demolished the previous structure in June 2016, and immediately began works on the same site in order to quickly establish a connectivity between connecting Erie and Cattaraugus counties.

"The replacement of South Cascade Drive-Miller Road Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek now ensures safe and convenient travel between Erie and Cattaraugus counties for many years to come."

The government anticipates that the new bridge structure would meet the traffic needs of the region for the next 75 years with minor maintenance needed for the next 30 years. 

Officials also carried out some improvement works at the South Cascade Drive and Miller Road bridge approaches.

New York State Department of Transportation commissioner Matthew Driscoll said: "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, this project is a prime example of the great things that happen when government officials at all levels work together to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

“The timely replacement of the South Cascade Drive-Miller Road Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek now ensures safe and convenient travel between Erie and Cattaraugus counties for many years to come."


Image: Bridge built over a lake: Photo: courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net/Evgeni Dinev.