ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – A bridge in Ithaca could be yours.
The city, which owns the bridge, along with the State DOT is looking for anyone interested in taking ownership of the North Cayuga Street Bridge over Fall Creek. Built with a Warren Pony Truss in 1934, the historic bridge near Ithaca High School needs significant work, and any interested parties would assume all future legal and financial responsibility for the structure among other conditions laid out by the city. Interested parties must:
- Provide a comprehensive written plan for the preservation and future use of the bridge, including any desired modifications and the estimated cost of rehabilitation. The new owner must use the entire superstructure
- Maintain the structure and the features that give it historic significance
- Assume all future legal and financial responsibility for the structure, including “hold harmless” agreements to the City of Ithaca, New York State DOT, and the Federal Highway Administration. Post a performance bond.
- Provide proof of ability to assume the financial and administrative responsibilities of bridge ownership throughout its existence
The bridge deck was replaced in 2002, and the wearing surface was replaced in 2018, but the bridge remains “structurally deficient and has advanced deterioration to critical components.” The bridge removal cost is estimated at $600,000, not counting the EPA-required removal of lead-based paint. Officials recently estimated the total cost of designing and replacing the bridge north of $5 million.
According to the city, “agencies, jurisdictions, organizations or private owners interested in obtaining ownership of the bridge for aesthetic, historic, recreation or other uses” should contact Bridge Systems Engineer Addisu Gebre no later than the end of the business day on November 18, 2024.
Addisu Gebre – (607)-274-6530 – AGebre@cityofithaca.org
