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Warren County DPW outlines 2024 work, 2025 priorities and a countywide culvert assessment; committee approves crack‑sealing transfer
Summary
The county reported completion of several storm‑damage and highway projects in 2024, removal of the dangerous Middleton bridge structure, a 1,783‑culvert inventory with prioritization to follow, and approved a transfer of funds to expand crack‑sealing work this year.
Warren County Department of Public Works leaders updated the Building and Grounds Committee on 2024 projects, 2025 federal‑aid and paving priorities, and a newly completed countywide culvert assessment that identified about 1,783 culverts countywide.
Kevin (staff member) reviewed storm‑damage repairs completed in 2024—including culvert and drainage repairs at several locations—and said the county finished multiple highway projects in towns across the county. He reported that a long‑closed structure known as the Middleton Bridge was removed from the river after discussions with New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) structures and the Department of Environmental Conservation; the county arranged a contractor to lower the bridge into the river and cut and remove it to eliminate the hazard while federal‑aid design work proceeds.
On culverts, DPW staff said the inventory shows roughly 1,783 culverts countywide, most of them relatively small (12–36 inches) while a smaller group are much larger structures; the database delivery was expected in February and construction work on prioritized culverts will begin in 2025 using previously authorized bond funds. Committee members stressed that many culverts are deep and expensive to repair, and staff confirmed the initial bonding of $12.5 million is a start rather than a complete solution.
Sagamore Road retaining‑wall work is underway with substantial completion planned for May ahead of the summer season, and multiple bridge candidates and federal‑aid road projects were described for consideration on upcoming Transportation Improvement Program updates.
Transfer of funds for crack sealing
The committee approved a requested transfer of funds to expand crack sealing on county roads—a preventive maintenance activity staff said extends pavement life. The motion to transfer funds was moved by Mr. Bruno and seconded by Mr. Bena; the committee voted in favor.
Why it matters
DPW officials said the culvert inventory will let the county prioritize immediate, short‑term and long‑term repairs. Staff emphasized that larger culverts and bridges can be expensive and that federal and state coordination will affect scheduling and funding. Committee members asked for the assessment data to be integrated into county GIS so priorities and locations are publicly mappable.
Next steps
Staff said the culvert database will be delivered and mapped, culvert repairs will be prioritized for 2025 construction, bids for annual paving were planned for late February with award timing in March, and the Sagamore retaining wall and other bridge/culvert construction will proceed as scheduled. The county will return with specific project plans and cost estimates as prioritization progresses.
