State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $19.9 Million Bridge Replacement Project in Hamilton County

State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $19.9 Million Bridge Replacement Project in Hamilton County

Project Enhances and Protects Vital Corridor into Western Adirondack Park

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the opening of the new bridge on State Route 28 over the south inlet of Raquette Lake in the Town of Arietta, Hamilton County. This $19.9 million project included the replacement of the existing bridge with two structures - a vehicular span that is wider and longer to address safety and operational issues at the location and a separate, multi-use span to provide safe access for recreational usage. Named for a "heap of racquettes" (French for snowshoes) once discovered where South Inlet meets the lake, Raquette Lake stands as one of the crown jewels of Adirondack Park. With more than 100 miles of shoreline framed by majestic pine trees, it is one of the largest natural lakes in the Adirondacks and a destination steeped in both beauty and history.

"State Route 28 provides the only link to the western side of the spectacular Adirondack Park, and this beautiful, modern structure will enable generations of visitors to enjoy the grandeur of the lake and the many recreational activities available to visitors and residents alike," Commissioner Dominguez said. "Thanks to Governor Hochul's targeted investments in North Country infrastructure, this critical thoroughfare will continue to be reliable for residents, businesses, and tourists in Hamilton County, connecting communities, improving quality of life, and fueling our economy forward."

The $19.9 million project involved the construction of two bridges - one dedicated solely as a multi-use trail that will provide recreational access to the natural beauty of the Adirondack park. The main structure, which replaces the narrow and outdated 1929 bridge, was constructed twenty-three feet longer and eighteen inches higher to allow for improved vessel clearance underneath.

Furthermore, this project improved the physical layout of the roadway so that it will be safe, efficient, and smooth. This included increasing the lane width to 11 feet wide, and the shoulder was increased to 6 feet wide, providing additional safety and visibility.

The Raquette Lake bridge replacement project showcases the critical importance of preserving the surrounding environment while upgrading vital infrastructure. To minimize the project's ecological footprint, a carefully engineered site was designed to prevent erosion and help create a stable foundation. The outer cells were filled with topsoil and layered with a specialized native seed mix, allowing the slope to blend seamlessly into the natural, breathtaking beauty of Adirondack Park. Additionally, natural-looking rock architecture treatment was applied to concrete surfaces on both structures, then meticulously stained to visually integrate these man-made elements directly into the mountainous terrain.

In addition, the reconstruction project featured an improved and updated waterway access path to a launching site for canoes and kayaks, enabling them to safely access the tranquil and pristine waters of Raquette Lake. The dedicated canoe access area was constructed using rustic timbers to beautifully mirror the surrounding forest. The construction team worked diligently throughout the project to enable the path and launching site to remain open and accessible.

Maintaining traffic on the bridge throughout construction was a critical safety factor as closing the road entirely would have resulted in a 90-mile-long detour. This approach successfully delivered all criteria milestones safely while preserving and safeguarding the sensitive environment in Adirondack Park.

Raquette Lake is known as the birthplace of the Great Camp tradition, embodying a rustic elegance the Adirondacks are known for. In the late 19^th century, it developed into one of the most prestigious summer getaways and also served as a midpoint to other Gilded Age retreats such as the Great Camp Sagamore, Camp Uncas, and Kamp Kill Kare located on nearby lakes.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "The bridge over Raquette Lake on State Route 28 is a vital passageway for Hamilton County and the Adirondacks. I was proud to deliver $14.5 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law for two brand-new bridges for pedestrians and vehicles. These bridges are vital for ensuring continued safe access to Adirondack Park's natural beauty for generations to come. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's work putting federal dollars to good use paving the way for a safer future for New York."

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Infrastructure investments like the bridge replacement on State Route 28 in Hamilton County help local economies thrive, play a vital role in protecting public safety, and connect communities. These new spans will serve as crucial overpasses for emergency vehicles, farm vehicles, and residents of Arietta. I will continue working to deliver federal dollars to New York for the improvement of our infrastructure."

About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

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