Union Falls Road over Saranac River Bridge Rehabilitation

What Was the Challenge?

The Union Falls Road Bridge, originally constructed in 1937, consisted of a single-span truss superstructure with a concrete deck supported by cast-in-place concrete abutments. The rehabilitation project aimed to restore a safe, unposted, and unrestricted crossing of the Saranac River while addressing aging infrastructure and non-standard roadway features.

How Did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

B&L provided preliminary and final design services, along with construction inspection and administration, for the major rehabilitation of the Union Falls Road Bridge. The existing truss structure was completely replaced with a 120-foot multiple steel girder superstructure and a new cast-in-place concrete deck. The original abutments were rehabilitated and modified to accommodate the new bridge geometry, including recapped and extended wingwalls. The structure was widened to meet NYSDOT standard lane and shoulder widths while maintaining the 39-degree skew. Additionally, 430 feet of full-depth roadway reconstruction was completed to tie into the new bridge, addressing non-standard horizontal curves with improved geometry. B&L also designed new elastomeric bearings, installed approach slabs, and introduced a jointless bridge configuration to improve durability.

To address environmental and logistical challenges, the project included the removal of lead- and asbestos-contaminated materials and required coordination for significant overhead utility relocations. STIP and BridgeNY funding were utilized to ensure successful project delivery.

Why Was This Project a Success?

The Union Falls Road Bridge rehabilitation successfully restored safe and unrestricted access across the Saranac River, ensuring long-term functionality and improved roadway geometry for modern transportation needs. By repurposing the existing abutments, B&L provided a cost-effective solution while accommodating a wider structure with enhanced durability features like jointless construction. The comprehensive design addressed environmental concerns, improved approach alignments, and minimized long-term maintenance. This project not only enhanced safety for the traveling public but also preserved the structural integrity of a critical regional crossing.