Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and New York Gov. David Paterson last week announced that officials will replace the Lake Champlain Bridge after engineers said the 80-year-old span can’t be rehabilitated.
Officials closed the bridge in October for safety issues. The governors said they anticipate the Federal Highway Administration will agree with the engineering report and the recommendation not to renovate.
“We must make a decision that protects those who cross the bridge, as well as workers and engineers, and therefore we have no choice but to tear down the dangerously deteriorated bridge,” Paterson said. “Both states are committed to moving quickly to reestablish the critical link by building a new bridge in this corridor to serve commuters, farms and businesses.”
A new ferry service will begin near the existing bridge as quickly as possible, the governors said. The Lake Champlain Bridge connects Highway 185 in New York with Vermont’s Highway 17.
Existing ferry services in the area have been expanded and are free. There is also a new free express commuter bus service that connects New York with several major employers in Vermont.
