SPRINGVILLE, NY — Steel beams started rising into place for the new $16.9 million bridge that will replace the Old Route 219 Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek in western New York.
Manitowoc cranes are working at the bottom of the 200-foot deep Zoar Valley Gorge and on the north abutment, raised the specially engineered beams, each weighing more than 50 tons.
The 20-person bridge crew from Contour Steel Inc. was precise, from the positioning of clamps for lifting the steel beams to connecting beams together to finally seating and securing them on the abutment and 180-foot-tall concrete pier.
The Salamanca Press reports, Contour Steel Inc. was hired to do the rigging with the lattice boom cranes leased from Cleveland-based All Crane.
A Manitowoc 888 Ringer is sitting on the Cattaraugus County side of the gorge, has more than 1 million pounds of counterweight and is one of six on the world. Another, a 440t (ust) Manitowoc 16000 working from the bottom of the gorge.
Patton expects his crew will complete the placement and securing of steel beams by the end of November. The bridge, being constructed by contractor Cold Spring Construction Co., is due to be completed by June.
Once finished, it becomes the joint responsibility of Cattaraugus and Erie counties. The New York State Department of Transportation will aid with annual maintenance for several years, and a maintenance fund has been set aside by the state for long-term maintenance.
- By Rick Miller, County Reporter
