Page 9 - Work Force June 2017

DOT workers revitalize historic span
PITTSFORD — Several CSEA State Department of Transportation (DOT) Region 4 (Rochester) members, affectionately known in the area as the “Winter Bridge Crew,” revitalized a popular local bridge in just three months.
Not only are local motorists and residents delighted with the repairs, but the project was completed entirely by public employees at
a fraction of the cost a private contractor would charge.
The Mitchell Road Bridge, which crosses the Erie Canal in Pittsford between Route 96 (Jefferson Road) and Route 31 (Monroe Ave/Palmyra Road), was reopened on Jan. 25.
State DOT officials closed the structure in August 2016 after
a routine bridge inspection and engineering analysis found the steel bridge in very poor condition.
Originally built in 1912, the single lane truss bridge is about 194 feet long with a deck width of nearly 15
feet. Before its closure, the bridge was posted for a maximum weight of 9 tons. Today, after 2,300 hours of labor, the structure is now posted for a maximum weight of 22 tons and connects vital neighborhoods in Pittsford, a historic canal town.
CSEA members Denny Bement, Jordan Jaeger and Elias Seward began the bridge work in November. The crew replaced the entire floor system, which consisted of all the stringers, floor beams, sleepers and open steel decking.
The crew worked through all types of weather, finishing the project well in advance of the initial April completion date estimate and well under budget.
According to the state Department of Transportation, the cost of materials and special equipment rental was roughly $56,100, well under what a subcontractor would charge taxpayers.
working relationship with John Starke, regional bridge maintenance engineer and Kevin Cannan, who oversaw the project.
“I can tell you there were more than just three of us who worked
on this revitalization project,”
said Bement. “We had assistance from other workers based at [the Monroe East and Monroe West DOT residencies] when they were not plowing snow. We came together and worked as a team. We also take a lot of pride in what we do. At the end of the day, we want things to be great for area residents.”
CSEA Western Erie Canals Local President Chaz Campbell called
the Winter Bridge Crew members ‘exceptional human beings,’ noting they essentially have to be licensed in trades that include masonry, steel work, welding and carpentry.
“I use the Mitchell Road Bridge often, and I’m glad it’s back in service,” Campbell said. “The DOT crews do incredible work and
are skilled experts. Despite being understaffed and overworked, these guys really stepped up to the plate for this bridge project. It’s another example of a job well done.”
— Ove Overmyer
CSEA Department of Transportation Region 4 (Rochester) Local activist Brian Ossont surveys an Erie Canal barge that assisted in the revitalization of the Mitchell Road Bridge repair in Pittsford, NY.
June 2017
Bement, a bridge repair supervisor II, quickly deflected credit for the project, noting that the crew members also have a great
Bement
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