Staff Report
Fifteen bridge approaches on Interstate 88 in Delaware and Schoharie counties will be replaced using a $1 million federal grant, the state Department of Transportation said in a media release.
The Highways for LIFE grant is issued by the Federal Highway Administration. The project is expected to cost $2 million, with construction beginning in spring 2009 and completed by that autumn.
LIFE is the acronym for Longer-lasting highway infrastructure using Innovations to accomplish the Fast construction of Efficient and safe highways and bridges, Carol Breen, DOT spokeswoman said in a media release.
To qualify for an award, a project must demonstrate that safety will be improved during and after construction; congestion caused by construction will be reduced; and the quality of the highway infrastructure will be improved. A state must use a technology, process or method that it has never or rarely used before, the release said.
The I-88 project will replace 15 bridge approaches with pre-cast concrete slabs prepared in a controlled environment to makes them stronger and more resistant to deterioration, the release said.
"I am proud that the Department of Transportation has been recognized for our creative approach to increasing safety, reducing congestion and improving the quality of highway infrastructure on our upcoming Interstate 88 project," state DOT Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn said in the release.
Construction will take place at night with short-term lane closures. One lane will be open at night during construction; during the day, all lanes will be open to traffic, the release said.
