Kelley Street Bridge over Skaneateles Creek

What Was the Challenge?

The Kelley Street Bridge is a common route for both cars and pedestrians within the Village of Skaneateles. The old bridge had deteriorated significantly, restricting the available roadway width to alternating one-way traffic and eliminating existing pedestrian accommodations. Despite these issues, the bridge remained popular and a replacement needed to be constructed. Other challenges at the site included electric lines above the bridge, and close proximity to neighboring homes and businesses.

How Did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

Key goals included restoring two-way vehicular traffic, eliminating the 5-ton load limit, accommodating pedestrian traffic, enhancing safety with lighting and pedestrian crossings, and maintaining the aesthetic character of the Village. The new bridge features a multi-steel girder and composite concrete deck superstructure, a sidewalk at the eastern fascia, and aesthetic concrete parapets. Existing wingwalls and masonry abutments were in fair condition and were left in place, reducing the amount of excavation needed. The project’s constrained urban setting required careful planning around existing buildings and utilities, including water and overhead electric, to facilitate construction without significant disruption.

Residents were kept in mind throughout construction. B&L, the contractor, and utility services worked together to ensure there was no power interruption to the village. Our design team chose to support the new bridge abutments on drilled micropiles to limit ground vibration during installation. This benefitted all nearby homes, but was especially critical with keeping objects safe inside the neighboring historical society.

Why Was This Project a Success?

The new bridge ensures a safe crossing for vehicles and pedestrians and improves community access. Neighbors are excited about the new bridge and continued access to the village’s business district. The new bridge reestablishes two-way traffic, and provides a new sidewalk and midblock pedestrian crossing. Newly added signage and lighting significantly improves the safety of pedestrians on the bridge.