The New York State Historic Preservation Office has recommended to the New York State Department of Transportation that Owego's ailing Court Street Bridge be replaced with a new truss bridge at the same location as the existing bridge, and that this new bridge must be designed to look like the original bridge. According to the timetable for the design and construction, the new bridge will not be finished until the year 2005 or 2006.

The local committee studying the bridge has come up with the idea of building a new three-lane stringer bridge (like nearby Hiawatha Bridge) with decorative railings and lights which would give the new bridge the appearance of an old structure and be compatible with the intent of the Historic District.

The local group is submitting their ideas and the above drawing to the state for consideration.

EDITORS NOTE: It's about time that we stop trying to live in the past, especially when it affects public safety. If the historic people had their way we might still be driving horse and buggies, or even walking! Wake up, we are about to enter the 21st century, lets get with it. FJB