U.S. Route 11 Bridge Replacement Project Underway

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work will soon begin on the $33.6 million project to replace the aging bridge carrying U.S. Route 11 over the Oneida River in the Town of Cicero, Onondaga County and the Town of Hastings in Oswego County. The bridge serves as a substantial north-south connection through the Hamlet of Brewerton, with an estimated 13,000 motorists traversing it daily. The surrounding area — rich in history and recreation — is well-regarded as a popular spot for boating, fishing and other water-based activities, and serves as an energetic epicenter for restaurants and small businesses. Due to its proximity to Interstate 81, Route 11 provides easy access to the City of Syracuse and the surrounding Central and Northern New York communities for residents and visitors alike.

“New York State has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to investing in communities through the revitalization of its infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “The Route 11 bridge over the Oneida River in Brewerton is a pivotal connection that we must maintain, and this state-funded undertaking will ensure it remains safe and reliable now and into the future.”

First constructed in the early 20th century, the Route 11 bridge helped to facilitate trade and travel across the Oneida River. It has undergone significant rehabilitation work over the years: most recently in 1986. Several other smaller projects over the last two decades have addressed minor repairs to the bridge.

It is anticipated that by the fall of 2026, the new bridge will be complete, and traffic will be moved from the temporary bridge to the new bridge. Full construction on the project is anticipated to be completed in early 2027.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Central New York is undergoing an incredible transformation, and it is crucial that our transportation infrastructure is ready to handle this unprecedented growth. This innovative bridge design demonstrates Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to creating a safe and resilient transportation network, and the multi-modal features of the structure will ensure everyone has a safe way of reaching recreational attractions along the Oneida River, which help to fuel the local economy and provide new opportunities for regional growth.”

Cicero Town Supervisor Michael A. Aregano said, “The replacement of the Brewerton Bridge is a crucial step forward for our community. This project is about more than just infrastructure- it’s about strengthening the connection between Brewerton and Hastings, ensuring safe and reliable travel, and fostering continued growth. Two towns, one community means we all benefit from this investment in revitalization and progress. I look forward to seeing this long-awaited improvement take shape and the positive impact it will have on residents and businesses alike.”

State Senator Christopher Ryan said, “This investment in the Route 11 bridge is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Central New York’s infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable connections for residents, businesses and visitors. By modernizing this critical crossing, we are not only improving efficiency but also supporting economic growth and enhancing access to the recreational and commercial opportunities that make this region so vibrant. I thank Governor Hochul and NYSDOT for their continued commitment to the transformation of Central New York infrastructure.”

Assemblymember Will Barclay said, “I’m pleased to see investments being made to strengthen Central New York’s transportation infrastructure. Replacing the Route 11 Bridge is critical to ensuring it is reliable and safe for the 13,000 motorists who depend on it daily. This project will also enhance the region’s ability to support the many residents and visitors who come to the area for its boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities. This investment will serve the community for years to come, promoting both safety and economic growth.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement today that the Route 11 bridge in Brewerton will be replaced clearly extends her commitment to invest and enhance Upstate infrastructure and communities. Replacing the Route 11 bridge, which straddles both sides of the Oneida River in the heart of Brewerton, will improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Brewerton’s recently successful NY Forward grant and today’s announcement acknowledge the importance of our historic communities and recognize the potential and future of our downtowns.”

Projected Outcomes of the Bridge Replacement Project

Demolition of the existing bridge is expected to begin this fall, after traffic is shifted to a temporary bridge that will accommodate alternating one-way traffic. Modernized traffic signals will be installed at the northbound and southbound approaches of the temporary bridge, with vehicle-detection sensors in place to adjust motorists’ wait time based on traffic flow, which will considerably reduce travel impacts to the public. Emergency vehicles will utilize a preemption system to clear the temporary bridge of all traffic, allowing emergency vehicles to safely cross the bridge, as needed, and without delay.

Once traffic is shifted to the temporary one-lane bridge, construction on the first gussetless truss bridge in New York State will begin, with the new structure being erected within the same alignment and footprint as the existing bridge. The gussetless truss bridge is widely considered to be more modern and efficient. The current design makes the bridge’s steel plates, which are located beneath the roadway, more susceptible to draining salt water and debris during the harsh winter months, while the connections needed for the new design are located above the roadway, making the bridge more easily accessible for inspection and maintenance crews, which aids in the prevention of wear and tear, improving durability, and saving money.

The state-of-the-art bridge is designed for a 75-year service life, but the gussetless details, combined with a metalized coating protection, and routine care, will likely extend its lifespan well beyond that. Construction will also include new concrete bridge piers, abutments, and a concrete deck that will be supported directly by floor beams, reducing the cost of inspections, upkeep and future replacement.

Standard eight-foot shoulders will be installed, providing room for emergency vehicles, disabled vehicles, and snow and ice equipment. Existing drainage structures and pipes will also be replaced to prevent excess runoff, and utilities will be relocated through the girders of the new structure, eliminating the need for nearly a dozen utility poles, which will help prevent unnecessary damage, and create a more streamlined appearance.

The addition of five-foot sidewalks on each side of the bridge adds options for multi-modal transportation and optimizes the health and safety of pedestrians and cyclists, as will decorative streetlights being installed on the approaches to the bridge, and in the truss hung from the center of the roadway, which will help increase visibility.

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