New York State Department of Transportation

01/26/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/26/2022 11:03

State Department of Transportation's State Route 104 Bridge Replacement Wins Project of the Year Award

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Release Date: January 26, 2022

State Department of Transportation's State Route 104 Bridge Replacement Wins Project of the Year Award

American Public Works Association Cites Project's Safety Enhancements and Community Investment

Contact:
Joe Leathersich |
[email protected] |
585-745-0091

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that the recently completed project to replace the State Route 104 Bridge over Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County was honored as the American Public Works Association's Project of the Year in the Genesee Valley Chapter's "Structures less than $5 million" category. The project was recognized for its critical community investment and safety enhancements for travelers.

"The safety of the traveling public and the vitality of our communities are always top priorities at the Department of Transportation and this award for the State Route 104 Bridge Replacement Project is a symbol of our commitment to those priorities," said Commissioner Dominguez. "The project enhanced safety and helped ensure that a vitally important crossing in Orleans County will remain open for many years to come. I want to congratulate the NYSDOT staff, whose tireless work helped achieve this recognition and for their dedication to safety, service and excellence - values they demonstrate each and every day."

In honoring the project, the APWA cited several factors, including:

  • Use of good construction management techniques by employing the Governor's Drivers First Initiatives and prioritizing convenience for motorists.
  • Efforts to engage members of the community who utilize Oak Orchard Creek for recreational kayaking and canoeing.
  • Attention to the environment and wildlife immediately impacted by construction and the altered bridge footprint.
  • Commitment to sustainability and use of engineering components that help reduce deterioration and decrease the need for future maintenance.

Senator Robert G. Ortt said, "The State Route 104 Bridge project over Oak Orchard Creek in Orleans County should be applauded for its outstanding success and serve as a blueprint for future joint construction efforts between local and state governments. By working together, Orleans County and New York State were able to deliver a completed project that will benefit the residents of Orleans County and travelers passing through our Western New York region. I am proud that the American Public Works Association has decided to honor this incredible project and will give it the recognition it deserves."

Assemblyman Stephen Hawley said, "Protecting the roadways traveled by families and commercial and emergency vehicles is one of our state government's most important functions, so I was happy to see the work done to replace the Oak Orchard Creek bridge in Orleans County acknowledged by the American Public Works Association. It was a critical project that delivered an amazing end result for all who travel along Route 104 between Ridgeway and Gaines. My hat goes off to all involved both in planning the project and working on the ground to make it a reality."

Town of Ridgeway Supervisor Brian Napoli said, "The Department of Transportation did an outstanding job in replacing the Route 104 bridge in the Town of Ridgeway, Orleans County. The old bridge was at least 45 years old and there were questions about its integrity. When it was demolished, it was evident the correct decision was made. The new bridge is beautiful. Residents adapted to the inconvenience for the construction period and afterwards we heard nothing but compliments. We as a town were so happy with the results we passed a Resolution of Appreciation to the Rochester DOT office. The construction crew was so diligent they worked weekends and brought the project in early. Thank you for your excellent work."

The project installed a 125-foot, single-span bridge with minimal disruption to the traveling public. It was completed in September, on time and under budget. State Route 104 is a key vital connector used by the local agricultural and manufacturing industries to reach the Rochester area to the east and the Niagara community in the west.