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Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a $5 million bridge replacement project in Onondaga County. The Schepps Corners Road Bridge in the town of Manlius, originally built in 1953, has been replaced with a new structure. The project was completed on time and within budget.
The new bridge features an increased vertical clearance from 14 feet, 5 inches to 16 feet, 11 inches to reduce bridge strikes caused by overheight vehicles. Since 2020, there have been 224 bridge hits reported on the New York State Thruway’s 570-mile system, including 46 reported bridge strikes in 2024 alone. The increased vertical clearance, along with public awareness campaigns, more prominent signage, and enhanced enforcement, aims to reduce the number of bridge strikes and to improve safety for Thruway Authority employees and motorists.
Additional safety upgrades include wider shoulders, a new safety guide rail, and an improved riding surface. The project also included environmental improvements in run-off and erosion protection to benefit nearby wetlands. Erosion control mats were installed on all embankments, establishing new grasslands that will absorb stormwater and reduce runoff.
Approximately 2,600 vehicles per day travel on the local road over the Thruway. Slate Hill Constructors of Warners, N.Y., served as the project contractor. According to the official website of New York State, the former bridge was original to the Thruway system.