Projects

I-86 Bridge Rehab over Chautauqua Lake

This is a two phase project that entails the removal and replacement of the bridge deck, bearings, pedestals, and substantial structural steel repairs.

Project Type

Bridges & Culverts, Signature Projects, Transportation

Project Owner

New York State Department of Transportation

Completion Year

Expected 2028

Contract Value

$105,515,758.09

Project Award

May 11th, 2023

Project Overview

Extending the Life of a Landmark Lake Crossing

The 24-span Chautauqua County Veterans Memorial Bridge, now more than 40 years old, carries I-86 over Chautauqua Lake near Bemus Point and supports heavy commercial traffic. The main span sees an average daily traffic volume of about 13,000 vehicles. Because it’s such a critical economic connection for Southern Tier communities, NYSDOT selected the bridge for rehabilitation.

The project includes replacing approximately 5,300 feet of bridge deck and installing new median and side barriers. Crews will also replace bridge joints and high rocker bearings, along with making superstructure repairs where necessary.

Beyond the main Chautauqua Bridge, the work also covers two additional approach span bridges and a ramp bridge located east of the primary span, all of which will be rehabilitated as part of the overall effort.

Project Stats

This bridge is 4400’ long and 71’ wide carrying 2 lanes of interstate traffic in each direction.

There are 242 bearing points that get individually lifted so that the bridge bearings and their pedestals can be replaced.

A new repair process was used for the first time by the NYSDOT to repair deteriorated girder splices. Ultra High Performance Concrete, UHPC.

project highlights

Key project highlights preformed.

Difficult Marine Construction

Working over Chautauqua Lake presented unique construction challenges, requiring crews to perform complex bridge rehabilitation from barges and temporary marine work platforms while managing changing water, weather, and site conditions.

Multiple Point Replacements and Rehabilitations

Roughly 5,300 feet of bridge deck will be replaced, and new median and side barriers will be installed. Bridge joints and high rocker bearings will also be replaced, and repairs to the superstructure will be done where needed.

Largest Single Contract in Company History

The Chautauqua Lake Bridge Rehabilitation represents the largest single contract ever undertaken by UCC, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history and demonstrating our ability to successfully execute large-scale, complex infrastructure projects.