Highway department outlines multi-bridge updates and expands chip-seal paving program

Tompkins County highway staff on Tuesday gave a quarterly capital status report that covered multiple bridge projects, permitting delays at the state Department of Transportation, and a county plan to expand chip-seal preventive maintenance across its road network.

Jeff (Highway Department staff) told the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee that several bridge projects are progressing but that DOT Region 3 review delays may push plan approvals back at least 30 days for many projects. He said the county is working to keep projects moving and to get people in region offices back to usual review speed.

Project updates included: - Fall Creek Road rehabilitation: A federal-aid rehabilitation project slated for construction next year; design approvals must align with the federal fiscal schedule (obligation of funds on Oct. 1). - Cortland Street bridge (Bridal) over Owasco Inlet: Bids last year were high; county pursued an Initial Project Proposal to the MPO and is seeking off-system bridge funding. If awarded, the project could be 80% state-funded with a 20% local share; staff said design approval could allow bids late this year and construction next year. - Midline and other county bridge projects: Progressing; some designs are under DOT review and remain on schedule.

On the Falls Road bridge (separately discussed and addressed by committee resolutions), staff said historic appearance and park adjacency make the replacement architecturally sensitive and likely to increase cost to preserve the look of the current bridge.

Paving and preventive maintenance: Jeff and Nick (Highway Department staff) presented draft maps showing planned paving (blue) and chip-seal (red) sections. The county is aiming for a five-year chip-seal cycle and using a mix of mill-and-fill, cold-in-place recycle with chip seal on top, and conventional paving elsewhere. Staff said the chip-seal program was targeting about 60 centerline miles this year, up from about 34 miles last year; chip-seal costs are roughly $15,000 per mile (up from about $10,000 five years ago) and paving costs are about $200,000 per centerline mile.

Staff said the chip-seal program would tentatively begin April 28, weather permitting, and emphasized that some roads are better candidates for paving or other treatments depending on base conditions. County mileage maintained: about 302 centerline miles (approximately 600 lane miles).

Staff also described maintenance practices including ditching and specialized equipment needs, the county's inventory of about 106 bridges (state-inspected biannually), and use of temporary Bailey bridges for emergencies.

Committee members asked about communication to residents before hot-in-place recycling and paving operations; staff said they will use message boards, the existing siren/notification system and coordinated outreach with towns and municipalities.

Members also asked about CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) state funding; staff said they expected at least the same funding as last year but that increases were uncertain because of competing statewide priorities such as MTA funding. The department will monitor budget developments and look for culvert or bridge opportunities if new programs are announced.

Staff emphasized that getting projects shovel-ready helps the county capture outside funding and reduces the county share of construction costs when state or federal funds become available.