Warren County is looking to give away a bridge as a project to replace it goes forward.
The historic Middleton Bridge over the Schroon River has been closed since 2009 because of major deficiencies. Warren County is moving forward to replace the bridge in a location upstream, and as part of the project will be seeking the removal of the closed structure.
The bridge, built in 1896, connects Warren County Route 10 and East Schroon River Road in the towns of Warrensburg and Bolton.
It is considered functionally obsolete, but because of its historic status, could be removed and relocated.
Prior to assuming ownership, the potential new owner must provide a proposed plan for the relocation, rehabilitation and reuse of the bridge that will be subject to review by the New York State Historic Preservation Office for a period of 30 days.
The prospective new owner’s plan must include a timeline presenting the completion of efforts to disassemble, relocate, and reassemble the bridge within 12 months of ownership.
The person or organization should be willing to remove and reuse the bridge in its entirety. The new owner must dismantle and provide a guaranteed future use at a new location.
The bridge transfer deed will include a preservation covenant that requires the new owner to maintain the bridge in accordance with the “Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings.” This covenant will remain with the bridge if it is transferred to a third party.
Anyone interested should contact Ed Doughney at Warren County Department of Public Works, edoughney@warrencountydpw.com, or (518) 761-6556.
The new bridge, to be located about 2 miles north of the Middleton Bridge, is expected to be complete in 2023.
"This has been a very complicated and time-consuming process but it is moving forward," explained Bolton Supervisor Ronald Conover, chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors Public Works Committee.
Bridge Facts:
Built: 1896
Type: Cast-iron Pony Truss
Span: 86.9 feet
Width: 13.0 feet between trusses
Deck: Timber