Work on Buskirk Bridge Begun

[WGN 32-42-02]

 

Buskirk, NY - Closed since a cracked beam was found in August 2002, preliminary repairs on the Buskirk Covered Bridge have begun, with reconstruction to begin in the spring.

The work will be done under a $1.7 million contract awarded by the County in October. A temporary bridge to carry traffic was planned for but the land owner adjacent to the covered bridge refused permission to establish a temporary right-of- way.

The county wants to build a new bridge to augment the covered bridge and has applied to add the new bridge to a federal transportation package that will be available in 2010. A location for the new bridge has not been determined.

The covered bridge spans the Hoosic River, joining Rensselaer and Washington counties. For commerce and emergency services, it is important that a bridge be available at all times. The community around the bridge is served by the Buskirk Fire Department on the Rensselaer County side. When the covered bridge is reopened it will be rated for 12 tons. A new steel bridge will carry 25 tons, sufficient to support emergency vehicles.