THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
Work has officially kicked off on the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester, New York, for a $5.3 million maintenance painting project.
With support from the bipartisan infrastructure law, this is reportedly the first major preventative maintenance project on the structure since it opened to traffic in 2007.
“The Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge is proof that when communities are provided opportunities for ambitious infrastructure projects, they can be strong and resilient without compromising on service and functionality,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
“This work will not only ensure that residents and visitors can continue to appreciate this bridge for decades to come, but continue to uphold the proud Rochester legacy of both Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.”
The current paint will be removed during the project on each of the bridge’s three main arches and 12 braces. Then, zinc-based and epoxy-based paint will be applied to protect the structural steel from wear and corrosion.
Another historic investment in our infrastructure: @govkathyhochul announced that work is beginning on a $5.3M preventative maintenance painting project on the iconic Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in @CityRochesterNY. More Here: https://t.co/c3Vt80RQTh pic.twitter.com/aZKNnqEGXX
— NYSDOT (@NYSDOT) May 14, 2024
According to the governor’s office, by protecting the structural components from the weather, the need for future structural maintenance is reduced and will extend the bridge’s service life. The new coatings are anticipated to last 10 to 15 years before another application is necessary.
The color of the bridge will reportedly remain the same once the project is completed. Work is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025.
“The Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge is an iconic part of Rochester’s skyline and a critical piece of infrastructure for our community,” said State Representative Joe Morelle. “This preventative maintenance project will help ensure both the visual beauty and the structural integrity of the bridge for decades to come.”
About the Bridge
Known locally as the “Freddie Sue” bridge, the triple-steel arch bridge replaced the Troup-Howell Bridge. The Troup-Howell Bridge, built in 1954, was a multi-girder structure that sat in the same location as the current bridge.
The construction of the Douglass-Anthony Bridge was one component of the New York State Department of Transportation’s Western Gateway I-490 project, which rehabilitated and modernized aspects of I-490 between the Erie Canal and the Genesee River.
The structure took reportedly roughly four years to build and was officially opened to traffic in 2007. It was officially renamed the Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge that July, after Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, the famous civil rights activists and suffragists who called Rochester home.
According to the City of Rochester, the “three arch bridge” has captured the interest of photographers and civil-engineering enthusiasts for its visual interest and structural significance.
Tagged categories: Bridges; Bridges; Corrosion protection; Epoxy; Infrastructure; Infrastructure; Maintenance coating work; Maintenance programs; Ongoing projects; Program/Project Management; Structural steel; Zinc
