Rehabilitation of West Colvin Street Bridge over Onondaga Creek

West Colvin Street Bridge Has First Installation of a HCSC Wearing Surface in New York

LaBella was selected by the City of Syracuse to perform engineering services for the scoping, preliminary, final design, and construction inspection phases of the rehabilitation of West Colvin Street Bridge over Onondaga Creek, a federally funded BridgeNY Project. The rehabilitation consisted primarily of bridge deck repair and wearing surface replacement, bridge joint replacement, curbing and sidewalk repair or replacement, new bridge railing installation, bridge bearing replacement, abutment and wingwall repairs, and localized painting of the steel girders at both abutments.

A public information meeting to discuss the project details with residents and stakeholders was planned for March 23, 2020, but due to COVID-19 an alternate way to inform the public was needed. The City of Syracuse defined an area around the project, as well as various stakeholders who needed to be directly informed of the project. LaBella’s Data Intelligence Group used the area identified by the city to develop a mailing list.

On April 20, 2020, the City issued a press release seeking public input and posted project details online while LaBella mailed more than 350 informational flyers about the project directly to the residents and businesses most affected. Although COVID-19 delayed the design process, the goal to complete construction before school started in 2021 was achieved.

The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic and an off-site was established, while the bridge remained opened for pedestrian traffic throughout construction.

As part of the construction work, LaBella had specified the installation of a polyester polymer concrete (PPC) wearing surface. During construction LaBella was contacted by Kwik Bond Polymers regarding an alternate material called Hybrid Composite Synthetic Concrete (HCSC). Due to enhanced wear resistance and increased strength, the HCSC is projected to have at least a 60-year to 75-year service life compared to the projected 30-year service life for PPC. LaBella worked with Kwik Bond and the NYSDOT to develop the specification for installation and to obtain FHWA approval.

The West Colvin Street Bridge now has the first installation of a HCSC wearing surface in New York.

A Bridge Brings Us Together: Why Neighborhood Kids Cut the Ribbon on the New West Colvin Street Bridge

Read about how the new West Colin Street Bridge went from being a construction project to a joyful neighborhood celebration!

An Award-Winning Project

West Colvin Street Bridge Rehabilitation Project Wins APWA NY Chapter Regional Project of the Year Award

In February 2023, LaBella and the City of Syracuse were honored to accept a 2022 Project of the Year Award in the Transportation (Less than $5 Million) category from the Central Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the West Colvin Street Bridge Rehabilitation project.

The APWA’s Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency; the consultant, architect, and engineer; and the contractor who work together to complete public works projects.