Lazy River Road Bridge Replacement

What Was the Challenge?

The Lazy River Road Bridge, an obsolete three-span structure-built decades ago, exhibited significant structural deterioration and was hydraulically deficient. The poor stream alignment in addition to two steel piers and heavy ice flows resulted in poor hydraulic performance of the crossing and annual flooding.  The poor roadway alignment approaching the bridge exhibited a number of non-standard features and safety concerns for the travelling public.  St. Lawrence County needed a complete bridge replacement that would improve hydraulic performance, correct alignment issues, address environmental sensitivities, and meet modern NYSDOT standards, all while minimizing impacts to nearby residents and businesses.

How did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

B&L provided preliminary and final design services along with construction inspection and administration for this locally administered federal-aid BridgeNY project. The design replaced the existing 135-foot, three-span bridge with a new 164-foot single-span steel multi-girder structure. A spliced girder system was selected to accommodate delivery constraints and ensure straightforward construction. The new bridge features cast-in-place semi-integral abutments founded on steel H-piles, and the roadway was shifted to a new downstream alignment and raised approximately three feet to eliminate non-standard features and significantly improve hydraulic capacity.

The project also reconstructed 1,000 feet of approach roadway, removed the existing structure containing lead and asbestos materials, relocated overhead utilities, and facilitated freshwater mussel relocation prior to in-water work. B&L supported right-of-way acquisitions, including those requiring eminent domain, and developed landscaping plans to buffer adjacent properties along the new alignment. Throughout the process, B&L coordinated closely with an adjacent campground to minimize construction impacts and maintain access.

Why Was This Project a Success?

The replacement bridge provides a modern, hydraulically efficient crossing that enhances safety, reliability, and resilience for the St Lawrence County Department of Highways. The improved alignment, raised roadway, and long single-span structure reduce maintenance needs and increase flood performance. Environmental considerations, careful right-of-way coordination, and sensitivity to nearby businesses ensured a smooth construction process and a successful outcome. The result is a long-lasting piece of infrastructure that meets current standards and better serves the residents of St. Lawrence County.