The $1.75 million Oak Street Bridge renovation project in the City of Schenectady is nearing completion after 5 years of the structure being closed to traffic. The bridge was closed following safety concerns with the structure. The project included repairing and replacing deteriorating steel bracing and concrete.

The project was impacted by significant delays due to issues with the CSX Railroad Company, which controls access to the under portions of the bridge and stopped the project from moving forward on schedule. Following approval and evaluation, the project was able to continue and is expected to be completed as early as next week.

“Growing up in the Mont Pleasant neighborhood of Schenectady, I know how important the Oak Street Bridge is to our community,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. "For five long years, the bridge’s closing has had an impact on local families, residents and businesses.”

The bridge, which was built in the 1930’s, carries Oak Street over the Amtrak Rail Road and a small creek. It is a very unique bridge that has provided an important link between the Mont Pleasant and Bellevue sections of the City. Over this long period, the bridge has undergone significant repairs and improvements which included a replacement of the bridge deck about twenty years ago.

“The state’s commitment to the Oak Street bridge restoration is the kind of smart investment that really makes a difference in local communities,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who is also a civil engineer. “This project restores a critical connection to our neighborhoods in Schenectady and also means a better quality of life for families, safer travel to school for children and easier access to local businesses.”