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County engineering outlines progress on Route 7 culvert, temporary bridge and other structures
Summary
Engineering staff reported soldier‑pile installation, culvert removal, precast structure production for County Route 7 in Gallatin and updates on Mill Hill, Buckwheat and Rossman bridge projects; State DOT Section 106 reviews and updated wetlands/habitat rules are affecting schedules.
Columbia County engineering staff told the Public Works Committee they have installed soldier piles and begun removing an existing culvert and foundations on County Route 7 in the town of Gallatin and that a three‑sided precast structure is in production with delivery expected in July.
Engineering staff said contractors could not access the stream before June 15 because of DEC coordination, but work is now underway. The precast unit and the contractor schedule remain within the county’s anticipated construction timeframe.
Staff also reported progress on Mill Hill Bridge, where contractors are building temporary foundations and abutments and expect to install a county‑owned temporary bridge before the end of the month; once the temporary structure is in place, demolition of the existing structure will begin. Staff said they still anticipate the bridge to be paved and open before Thanksgiving, barring further delays.
County engineering provided updates on other structures, including Buckwheat and Rossman (two separate projects with separate consultants). Staff said they are preparing scope summaries, existing‑conditions outlines and proposed work extents for those projects and plan municipal briefings in August in the towns affected.
Engineering also reported that the county applied to the New York State DOT roadway departure/improvement program for a guide‑rail replacement along County Route 29 (Spook Rock Road); the state share available on that application totals $357,862. Staff said they submitted the application before the deadline, provided proof of timely submission after an initial indication otherwise, and that state reviewers will re‑review the application.
Staff warned that turnover at NYSDOT and changes in wetlands and threatened‑species regulation (effective Jan. 1) have increased the need to redo or update prior habitat and wetlands analyses; staff said any culvert or opening over 3 feet must now be inspected for potential bat habitat, which can affect schedule and scope.
No formal committee votes were required on the construction status updates. Engineering said they will continue municipal outreach, update consultants’ reports and return with detailed scopes, schedules and contract actions as they are ready.
