The town of Dryden has decided to replace the iconic Freese Road Bridge after no parties stepped forward to adopt it following an advertisement posted in February.
Despite the bridge’s historic significance and its eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, its significant repair costs, estimated to be between $100,000 to $200,000, made it a challenging proposition for potential takers.
Constructed about 130 years ago, the bridge, which has been an integral part of the Varna community’s character, was closed in December 2021 due to safety concerns. Its closure has disrupted traffic, affecting around 2,000 crossings daily.
The new bridge, scheduled for construction in early 2025, will maintain the current structure’s truss facade to pay homage to its historic significance.
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