Albion to open bids for Phipps Road bridge replacement on Nov. 24

File photo by Tom Rivers: The Phipps Road culvert over Otter Creek has been closed to traffic since Sept. 9, 2022.

ALBION – The Town of Albion is accepting bids from contractors to replace the Phipps Road bridge, which has been closed for more than three years.

The town is accepting proposals from contractors until 1 p.m. on Nov. 24. Town Highway Superintendent Michael Neidert said he is hopeful construction will in the spring as long as the project is within budget.

The bridge was closed to traffic in Albion on Sept. 9, 2022 after an inspection showed the steel high-beam supports were rotted.

The town has been awarded a $1.038 million state grant from the Bridge NY program. The span over a tributary of Otter Creek is 19.5 feet long. That technically makes it a culvert at 19.5 feet.

The new bridge will be 25 feet. Bridges are classified as spans that are at least 20 feet.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on July 5, 2023 that the project was approved for Bridge NY funds. Albion has been working with Ravi Engineering and Land Surveying in Rochester for design and bid specifications, as well as securing easements.

The project includes the removal of the existing concrete culvert, and replacement with a 3-sided single span precast concrete span unit. The structure will be supported by micropiles (to rock) on spread footings, and associated highway approach work and stream work, according to a description seeking bids.

An alternate allowed is the prefabricated modular cast-in-place (CIP) bridge system. The prefabricated modular CIP bridge system must use prefabricated, lightweight panels that contain the concrete formwork and reinforcing steel. It needs to arrive site-ready to be filled with locally procured concrete, producing a cast in place, jointless superstructure that is self supporting during assembly and eliminates bearings, tie downs, and below span work.