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North Country politicians praise Potsdam Maple Street bridges' rehab

Posted 12/17/15

POTSDAM – Several North Country politicians say the $3.7 million in state funding to rehabilitate and widen bridges on Maple Street will improve local business and enhance bicycle and pedestrian …

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North Country politicians praise Potsdam Maple Street bridges' rehab

Posted

POTSDAM – Several North Country politicians say the $3.7 million in state funding to rehabilitate and widen bridges on Maple Street will improve local business and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety.

The project to repair Maple Street bridges over the Raquette River included repairing concrete, replacing steel beams and installing a new concrete deck. Sidewalks and shoulders were widened to improve safety and better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. Lighting upgrades and sidewalk repairs were made to also enhance safety.

The construction contractor for the project was Vector Construction Corp. of Syracuse.

Senator Betty Little said, “Our North Country winters can be brutal on infrastructure, including bridges that connect roadways and communities. Completion of these projects is good as well as timely news for area residents and for local businesses shipping goods, and also tourists who will be visiting and taking advantage of the winter recreational opportunities our region offers. I am pleased to join Governor Cuomo and area officials in commending DOT and the contractors for a job well done.”

Many North Country politicians weighed in on the improvements to the bridges.

Senator Patty Ritchie said, “Reliable infrastructure isn’t just important to the safety of those who travel our roadways, it’s critically important to the many businesses that use our transportation network to move goods. I am pleased to see the completion of these key projects, which will help to improve safety for travelers and increase efficiency for businesses that use our North Country roads and bridges.”

Ritchie represents the western half of St. Lawrence County including Ogdensburg, Canton and Gouverneur, plus parts of Jefferson and Oswego counties.

Senator Joseph Griffo said, “The easier and safer it is for motorists and pedestrians to travel the roads that connect our communities, the more likely residents and businesses are to be drawn to those areas. With better roads and bridges, these investments will help support the type of traffic and economic development necessary to sustain and grow our neighborhoods.”

Griffo represents the 47th Senate District. It includes a swath running through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from Massena to Fine, including Potsdam.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell said, “These projects are crucial to the long term financial stability of the North Country and will ensure ease-of-access for residents, visitors, and business owners alike. Maintaining our basic infrastructure is key to economic growth and I’m proud to see these efforts coming to completion.”

Russell represents the 116th Assembly District. It includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, from Massena to Hammond, including Ogdensburg, Canton and Potsdam. It also covers parts of Jefferson County, including Watertown.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush said, “The completion of the State 177 Bridge project is an important step forward for infrastructure improvement in the North Country. This new bridge will make traveling much more convenient for those who rely on State 177 as part of their daily commute, and will create a safer and more accessible route for businesses to ship and receive goods. I’m happy we are making traveling safer and easier for residents and passersby, and I’m grateful to Gov. Cuomo for making this project a top priority.”

Blankenbush represents the 117th Assembly District. It covers part of southwest St. Lawrence County from DeKalb to Pitcairn, including Gouverneur.

Assemblywoman Janet Duprey said, “I appreciate the investment made by Governor Cuomo and DOT to redesign the Exit 42 bridge. The safety of residents, tourists and commercial traffic is critical, and we must assure our roads and bridges meet the highest standards. Luck Bros.’ construction of this new bridge, and two miles of I-87, will provide a long-term solution and enhance traffic flow at this important and heavily traveled intersection.”

Her 115th Assembly District includes a narrow slice of eastern St. Lawrence County, from Brasher down to Piercefield.