Jan 15, 2010 — A state report says the international bridge between Ogdenbsurg and Prescott, Ontario is in "urgent need" of repair. The bridge over the St. Lawrence River rates 4.3, or "partially deficient", on a 7-point scale used by the Department of Transportation. The report by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warns closing the bridge would cost the region millions of dollars in commerce and tourism. Local officials say they welcome the attention of the Comptroller's report. They hope it'll attract the $75 million needed to repair the 50-year-old span. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Dec 28, 2009 — State officials still sound confident that today is the day they'll demolish the Crown Point bridge. Cold weather delayed the countdown last week. But this morning at 10am engineers plan to trigger more than 800 pounds of explosives, knocking the massive structure into Lake Champlain. Brian Mann is in the Chaplain Valley and spoke this morning with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Dec 23, 2009 — As we've been hearing this morning, the eighty-year-old Crown Point bridge will survive for a little bit longer. The historic structure was slated for demolition this morning at 10 am. But the big moment has been delayed until Monday morning at ten. Brian Mann was in Ticonderoga for a briefing by Department of Transportation officials yesterday and he spoke with Martha Foley.  Go to full article

Dec 17, 2009 — An advisory committee has recommended a last-minute design as the replacement for the closed Lake Champlain Bridge, set to be demolished in the coming weeks. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Nov 20, 2009 — State officials say construction has begun on a new vehicle ferry that will run between Crown Point and Addison Vermont. A ferry made test runs at the site yesterday. Meanwhile, state officials have unveiled a new multi-million dollar aid package designed to help residents stranded by the bridge closure. Brian Mann has details.  Go to full article

Nov 10, 2009 — New York's acting Transportation commissioner says the Crown Point bridge is too seriously damaged to be repaired. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Oct 29, 2009 — Nearly two weeks of frustration over the closure of the Crown Point Bridge boiled over last night during a public meeting in Port Henry. Dozens of people whose lives and businesses have been disrupted by the October 16th bridge closure vented their anger and frustration to state Department of Transportation officials and representatives of Governor David Paterson. While no permanent solutions were offered, DOT officials are continuing to work on a series of short-term travel options to help those who've been impacted by the bridge closure. Chris Knight reports.  Go to full article

Oct 28, 2009 — Engineers say the Lake Champlain Bridge between Crown Point, New York and Addison, Vt., will be closed until at least spring. New York Transportation Department Engineer Robert Dennison says the structural problem with the bridge is "unexpectedly extreme." According to Dennison, it's just too risky to continue using the bridge that was closed Oct. 16. The Burlington Free Press reports Dennison was at a public meeting on the bridge closure in Addison last night.

The closure is disrupting lives and commerce on both sides of the lake. A survey conducted by New York state found that between 3,000 and 4,000 cars used the span each day. The states are now providing free ferry and bus service for locals who live and work on opposite sides of the lake. Another public information meeting is planned for this evening at 7 pm at the Moriah Central School in Port Henry, NY.  Go to full article

Westport, NY, Oct 27, 2009 — As state officials scramble to find a permanent fix to the Crown Point bridge closure, locals have been working out their own solutions - everything from car pooling to kayaking across Lake Champlain. A new pedestrian ferry opened yesterday between Westport, New York and Basin Harbor on the Vermont side. Brian Mann rode along and sent this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Oct 26, 2009 — Eleven days have passed since the Crown Point bridge was closed by New York state transportation officials. An inspection found that the cement piers that form the span's foundation were crumbling dangerously. Engineers have been working around the clock to determine whether the bridge can be repaired before winter. But already the closure has begun to squeeze the economy in the central Champlain Valley. Workers on both sides of the lake have been forced to pay for expensive ferry crossings, or make hundred-mile commutes. Brian Mann was in Crown Point over the weekend and has our story.  Go to full article