Lake Champlain Bridge (2011–present)

Bridge in New York and Chimney Point, Vermont From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Lake Champlain Bridge is a vehicular bridge traversing Lake Champlain between Crown Point, New York and Chimney Point, Vermont. It replaced an older bridge that was demolished in 2009. The bridge was designed and constructed during an aggressive two-year schedule to minimize the social and economic impact of the original bridge's demolition.[2] It is the only fixed-link crossing of Lake Champlain/Champlain canal between US 4 in Whitehall, 42 miles (68 km) to the south and US 2 at Rouses Point, 85 miles (137 km) to the north.

Coordinates44°01′57″N 73°25′24″W
CarriesTwo lanes of NY 185 and VT 17
Quick facts Coordinates, Carries ...
Lake Champlain Bridge
View of the bridge looking north in December 2021
Coordinates44°01′57″N 73°25′24″W
CarriesTwo lanes of NY 185 and VT 17
CrossesLake Champlain
LocaleCrown Point, New York and Chimney Point, Vermont
Maintained byNYSDOT and VTrans
Characteristics
DesignModified network tied arch
Total length2,200 ft (670 m)[1]
Longest span480 ft (150 m) (clear span)
402 ft (123 m) (tied arch span)[1]
History
OpenedNovember 7, 2011
Location
Interactive map of Lake Champlain Bridge
Close

The main arch span was prefabricated off-site in Port Henry, floated by barge to the already-constructed approach spans, and then lifted into place on August 26, 2011.[2] The completed bridge was originally scheduled to open on October 9, 2011, but this was pushed back around a month due to construction delays from underwater debris and record flooding.[3]

The bridge opened to the public on Monday, November 7, 2011, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony.[4]

Description

After state inspectors determined in October 2009 that the 80-year-old previous Champlain Bridge had deteriorated beyond repair, the states of New York and Vermont agreed to replace it.[5] The new bridge employs a modified network tied arch design.[6][7] Flatiron Constructors of Broomfield, Colorado, the U.S. subsidiary of the German firm, Hochtief AG, won the contract for the new bridge, and groundbreaking took place on June 11, 2010.[8] The bridge construction contract was for $69.6 million. It was completed six weeks ahead of schedule, but at a cost of $78.29 million.[4][9]

A panorama of the replacement bridge under construction
A panorama of the replacement bridge under construction in July 2011. The main arch span was brought in by barge and raised between the two approach spans shown above.

References

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