CSA #7

Hi Everyone,

It has been just over a year since I awarded my last Common Sense Award. A few years ago, a short 3 lane bridge, (just like an overpass), was replaced nearby. It took almost 2 years for the replacement and the traffic jams were unending. It was amazing to all the drivers how long it took to complete the job. So I was more than hesitant when I heard that two, 2 lane overpasses, (east and westbound) were going to be replaced on Route 84, in New York state, close to the Connecticut border. I thought to my self that this project would take years and years to complete. I watched as they prepared the site. I have to admit though that I was a bit perplexed when I saw how the site was being prepared. First I saw a huge new bridge being built in the median at a higher elevation then the original. Then I saw, what looked like a helicopter pad being built on the shoulder of the west bound side. I thought to myself that replacing these two overpasses would take longer then two years. Route 84 is a highly used highway and all I could imagine was the huge traffic nightmare that would continue until the overpasses were replaced.

Then we received a card in the mail, at about the same time that an article in the newspaper appeared regarding the replacement of the two overpasses, with dates of closing the lanes. What totally shocked and surprised me was that for the first time in New York state history, the replacements were going to be done in a new and very unique way. What I saw on the median and the shoulder were actually the new overpass replacements being built. After they were completed, they were going to first shut down the eastbound side to demolish the overpass and then "SLIDE" the new overpass into place. But, the real shocker was that they were going to demolish the overpass and install the new overpass in just 18 hours. 18 hours? How was that possible?

The day of the first closure came and unbelievably, 18 hours later the first overpass was replaced and was being used. A few weeks later the second overpass was replaced. It took a total of 36 hours to demolish and then replace the two, 2 lane overpasses. What a feat that was. Instead of taking years and years to accomplish with massive traffic jams; in almost a blink of an eye, they were totally replaced. Again, this was the very first time, this method of replacement, was used in New York state and it went flawlessly. Who knew that it was possible to slide in  new overpasses into place?

So today, I award the seventh CSA to New York State for their excellent job in using great common sense to replace these 2 overpasses in record time and with minimal traffic disruption. Bravo for a job well done.

Til next week.

Peter