NYSDOT CSEA Local 506 member Brian Ossont surveys an Erie Canal barge that assisted in the repair and revitalization of the Mitchell Road Bridge in Pittsford, NY. Photos by Ove Overmyer, CSEA ©2017.
Pittsford— A primary three-man team of state workers from CSEA Local 506, affectionately known in the area as the “Winter Bridge Crew,” completed a monumental task of revitalizing a very popular bridge in a very busy Rochester suburb in just three short wintery months—much to the delight of local motorists and residents alike.
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 January 25, 2017 after the NYS Department of Transportation had closed the structure in August of 2016.
A routine bridge inspection and engineering analysis found the steel bridge in very poor condition; prior to its closure, the bridge was posted for a maximum weight of 9 tons. Today, after 2,300 man hours of labor, the structure is now posted for a maximum weight of 22 tons and connects vital neighborhoods of the historic high-density canal town.
Originally built in 1912, the single lane truss bridge is approximately 194 feet in length with a deck width of nearly 15 feet. CSEA members Denny Bement, Jordan Jaeger and Elias Seward began the bridge work in earnest November of 2016. The crew replaced the entire floor system, which consisted of all the stringers, floor beams, sleepers and open steel decking. The crew worked diligently through cold, rain and snow– finishing the project well in advance of the initial April completion date estimate and well under budget. According to the NYSDOT, the cost of materials and special equipment rental was roughly $56,100, expenses well under what a subcontractor would charge taxpayers.
Denny Bement
Bement, a Bridge Repair Supervisor II, is quick to deflect credit when undertaking such projects like the Mitchell Road Bridge repair. He also cites a great working relationship with John Starke, Regional Bridge Maintenance Engineer and Kevin Cannan who both oversaw the project.
“I can tell you there were more than just three of us who worked on this revitalization project,” said Bement. He added, “We had assistance from other workers based at Monroe East and Monroe West 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—and at the end of the day we want things to be great for area residents.”
Long time Pittsford resident and fellow CSEA member Chaz Campbell calls the Winter Bridge Crew exceptional human beings. He says they essentially have to be licensed in all the trades—masonry, steel work, welding, carpentry and more.
Campbell, who is President of the CSEA Western Erie Canals Local 527 said, “I use the Mitchell Road Bridge often, and I’m glad it’s back in service. 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
