Decaying bridge construction to begin

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A crumbling bridge in the north towns is about to be rebuilt, but while the work is in progress, drivers will have to put up with some delays.

Construction season has arrived.

Susan Surdej, NYS DOT Engineer, said, "You're going to experience some slow downs."

One of the bigger state jobs this year involves this interchange in the town of Tonawanda. It's where Interstate 290 connects with Interstate 190. Starting Tuesday morning there will be lane restrictions impacting the westbound ramp to southbound 190 and the westbound ramp to northbound 190.

Both of the ramps, built in 1963, and the focus of several News 4 stories because of their deteriorating condition, will now be replaced.

"After we're done with this project in December of 2011, we should not be back at that interchange to do any major work for any foreseeable future," said Surdej.

The ramps will have a new alignment with wider shoulders and an increased radius to give drivers a greater sense of comfort. The westbound ramp connecting to I-190 south has been a problem for trucks over the years. The most recent incident involved a tractor trailer overturning in November.

Surdej said, "With the wider shoulders and the wider travel lanes, that should alleviate the problems that we see currently with trucks."

The ramp connecting I-190 south with I-290 east will see a lane restriction beginning Wednesday. Then on Thursday a connector ramp will actually close.

"If you're used to getting on at Sheridan Drive, that connector ramp that takes you to the 190 northbound, you're not going to be able to do that. That connector ramp will be closed," said Surdej.

State DOT officials say motorists used to traveling the busy interchange should think about other routes, at least during the construction season. News 4 is keeping you connected with traffic and travel issues around western New York. If you know where there's a nasty pothole, sign up to join the Pothole Patrol.