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A new bridge over Oneida Creek on Route 46 is set to open to traffic this Saturday (December 14). Located near the Oneida/Madison County line, the bridge replaces an older structure built in the 1950s, which was closed in July. The project, costing over $4.3 million, aims to enhance safety and improve traffic flow in the area.
The new bridge features a modern, single-span design that eliminates the need for a center pier in the creek, which reduces the risk of flooding and erosion. According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the bridge is part of a broader initiative to improve infrastructure and ensure long-term resilience against climate change.
In addition to the bridge replacement, the project included repaving parts of Route 46 and updating signage and guardrails. The NYSDOT emphasized that the new structure will support economic growth and tourism by maintaining a critical transportation link between Madison and Oneida counties.
Motorists have faced lengthy detours since construction began, but the opening of the new bridge will restore direct access and improve connectivity in the region. The project was funded through a combination of federal and state resources.