Bridge Street & Milton Avenue Streetscape Improvements

What was the Challenge?

Numerous stakeholders have invested significant resources in updating and expanding the New York State Fairgrounds in Onondaga County. With the addition of a new amphitheater adjacent to the fairgrounds, and the development of recreational facilities on the western shore of Onondaga Lake, the county wanted to create a sustainable, inventive, functional, multi-modal gateway link along Bridge Street and Milton Avenue, connecting these amenities to the Village of Solvay. The eastern entrance to the Fairgrounds required significant improvements to accommodate more traffic and improve the experience of fairground and lakeshore visitors. The storm drainage system was outdated, there was severe pavement roadway distress, and there was a need for electrical upgrades along Bridge Street. It was also desired to underground some of the aerial overhead lines to improve the visual appearance of the corridor. Infiltration and inflow into the existing sewers needed to be addressed. Barton & Loguidice was tasked with solving these problems while also meeting the needs of all stakeholders (Onondaga County, New York State Department of Transportation, Village of Solvay, Town of Geddes, New York State Fair, Department of Agriculture, CSX Railroad, and Finger Lakes Railroad).
A specific challenge surrounding this project was the retrofitting of the existing Bridge Street over the CSX Railroad Bridge in order to accommodate a 16-foot promenade without adding additional weight to the existing structure.

How did Barton & Loguidice provide a solution?

In order to have the streetscape work on Bridge Street ready in time for the opening of the New York State Fair (August) and to allow critical path work to proceed, B&L organized an “Undergrounding” Prime Contract (Ridley Electric) to complete the electrical work, and a separate Heavy/Highway Contractor (Barrett Paving) to complete the streetscaping work.
B&L used a lightweight concrete sidewalk and parapet walls to increase the loading on the existing bridge, in order to accommodate the promenade. Using a two-tiered promenade with protective bollards ensured that the corridor would be safe for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the promenade as well as for vehicular traffic on the roadway. The roadway width was reallocated to meet all geometric standards while also incorporating an aesthetically pleasing promenade from the Village of Solvay to the State Fair entrance.

Why was the project a success?

A distressed corridor has been replaced by a clean, well-lit, multi-modal corridor. The project is scheduled to finish before the December 2018 completion date and is also under budget. The project team overcame the numerous challenges surrounding the CSX Railroad, private utility and communications companies, and businesses and residents along the affected corridor.