County seeks approval for replacement of ‘Buffalo Bridge’

SCHODACK, N.Y. » Rensselaer County is asking for help from the federal government and the railroad to speed up approval needed for replacement of the bridge on Van Hoesen Road (County Route 4) in Schodack, County Executive Steve McLaughlin stated.

Without help expediting the approval, the bridge replacement project may not be completed this year.

“This is an important bridge for residents, businesses, and emergency services in the South Schodack. Completing this project is a priority and we want to see this bridge finished in 2020,” McLaughlin remarked.

The bridge is known to many locals as the “Buffalo Bridge” because of the bridge’s proximity to the historic Mesick Farm, which has a herd of buffalo.

The bridge was closed after significant deterioration was found during an inspection in December 2019. The county has set aside funding and hired consulting engineers to move the project to completion this year.

However, final approval from Amtrak, which owns the tracks under the bridge has not been given, halting the project.

The bridge was last replaced in 1997, and at that time, there was also a lengthy review and approval process by the railroad.

“We are not looking to do anything that differs significantly in design, construction or execution. We believe approval for the bridge project should be forthcoming to allow for completion this year,” McLaughlin noted.

“This is an inconvenience for residents and one that will only create more problems in the fall for farmers, school buses, motorists, and residents. We need to get this project on track for completion this year,” Rensselaer County Legislator Charles Peter added.

McLaughlin said his office is reaching out to federal representatives, along with the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak, seeking an expedited approval for the bridge project.