DOT to replace Route 146 bridge in Guilderland

GUILDERLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The bridge that connects Altamont and Guilderland on Route 146 is in the preliminary replacement stage. The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) said the $8.9 million project will replace the current 95-year-old bridge while also creating a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The three-span bridge will be replaced with a longer and higher single-span bridge. According to DOT officials, the additional three feet in height and removal of two piers will help reduce flood risks and improve water flow of Normans Kill.

The new shared-use lane for pedestrians and cyclists will be 10 feet wide and run from the Guilderland Winter Recreation Area to the Tawasentha Park entrance. The path will blend with the town's planned trail system for safer access to the park.

Tree clearing work is underway, utility relocation will happen this spring and the new bridge construction will start mid-summer. Officials said a temporary bridge will be installed to reduce potential traffic impacts during the demolition and construction of the new bridge, which is estimated to be completed in the fall or winter of 2026.

DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said local roads and bridges allow communities to grow the economy and ensure the infrastructure meets 21st-century challenges.

"This bridge replacement project along State Route 146 bridge will help ensure that an important route for Capital Region travelers remains open and accessible for many years to come while also providing new opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists to take advantage of the area’s beautiful parks and recreational attractions," Dominguez said.