COLTON — The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has reopened State Route 56 in the Town of Colton, St. Lawrence County, following the successful completion of an emergency culvert replacement project.

The roadway had been closed since March 2, when a large sinkhole was discovered. A subsequent investigation determined that the failure of a 100-year-old culvert at the Raquette River Tributary was the cause.

According to NYSDOT Region 7 Director Rob Haynes, the department acted quickly to address the issue, coordinating with contractors, suppliers, local utilities, and property owners to expedite the replacement. Crews worked around the clock—through harsh weather and rising water levels—to install a new, larger pre-cast concrete box culvert. The 13-section structure was completed in under two months.

In addition to replacing the culvert, the project involved rebuilding the roadway slope and armoring the stream channel. The improvements are expected to enhance public safety, increase infrastructure resiliency, and reduce the risk of future flooding along this key corridor connecting the Villages of Tupper Lake and Potsdam.

NYSDOT expressed gratitude to the local community for their patience and support during the repair effort.