Reminder About Public Meetings on Saturday by New York State Department of Transportation

Contractor Selected for Lake Champlain Bridge Demolition

ALBANY, NY (12/10/2009) -- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee and Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) Secretary David Dill today announced that, as part of an expedited process to demolish the existing Lake Champlain Bridge and build a replacement at the same location, NYSDOT contractor Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc. (H&B) has secured an expert subcontractor to demolish the existing bridge. Advanced Explosives Demolition, Inc. of Idaho will, working for H&B, plan for and execute the controlled explosive demolition of the steel truss bridge.

"We have been working diligently to move this process along as efficiently as possible and I am pleased to be able to go forward with a plan for demolishing the Lake Champlain Bridge," NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Gee said. "We will make sure the public is well aware of our plans as we move ahead and will alert people about safe locations to view the demolition."

Details on the bridge demolition will be well advertised and safe public viewing locations will be determined. The demolition contractor will establish safety protocols for contractor employees and for the public to which they must adhere. The public will be prohibited from the area immediately surrounding the bridge, including the land, water and air. Access to certain roads also will be restricted for a distance to be specified by the states and contractor to ensure public safety.