Culvert construction on Route 22 proceeds apace

The New York State Department of Transportation project to replace a failing culvert under Route 22 is continuing, with the probability it will be completed within the anticipated timeframe.

Bedford Public Works Commissioner Kevin Winn said there have not been any problems reported with the detours that are in place, and the project seems to be progressing well.

Alison Roddy, the DOT engineer in charge, told The Recorder that at the moment they are waiting for some concrete to cure. She said they had encountered more rock than was anticipated and are constructing wing walls, but overall she does not expect any significant delays.

The project was originally scheduled as part of a larger series of culvert replacements on state highways in the area, with a completion date of June 15, 2029. It was moved up suddenly when an inspection revealed it had been severely impacted by the rough winter, and the work needed to be done immediately. The 1.9 mile portion of Route 22 from Maple Avenue in the north to Bedford Center Road in the south was closed to all but local traffic on April 13.

— JEFF MORRIS