A new steel bridge that spans 630 feet of Saratoga Lake will open today, after 8 1/2 months of construction. The route 9P bridge, which connects the town of Saratoga with Saratoga Springs, was presumed structurally inadequate in 2009. Construction was completed on-time, and under budget.
The old bridge saw traffic rates of approximately 5,000 vehicles per day, and during summer months as many as 600 vehicles per hour. Detours that were a result of this construction affected general commutes, school bus routes, and business at the south end of Saratoga Lake. Emergency squads were able to split their responsibilities on either side of the construction.
When the project began, it was estimated that construction would cost around $17 million. However, after bidding was opened in 2009, Kubricky Construction Co. outbid the competition for approximately $10.8 million. Kubricky has been on the job six days a week to meet the nine-month deadline.
The new bridge is slightly wider than the previous one, as it includes 11-foot wide traffic lanes, and pedestrian walkways on both sides. The bridge opens today for alternate lane traffic so that the work crew can apply the last layer of asphalt, paint the lines, and put some finishing touches on the sidewalks.
The grand opening, and ribbon cutting ceremony takes place at 2:00 p.m. today (5/26) at the southern end of the bridge.
