It seems that everywhere you go these days there is a bridge under construction or being repaired. Of course the most recent bridge to be replaced is the Court Street bridge in Owego. My hat is off to whoever had the final word in the choice of the design. It blends with the historic atmosphere as you enter the village. Not too modern yet not too rustic. I think it was worth the wait. 

 And then there is the Apalachin-Campville bridge. I remember hearing rumors about that bridge being constructed as far back as the late sixties. Once again it was a job well done. 

 The Main Street bridge in Apalachin was recently refurbished and yet kept its original steel frame. Everybody anticipated its opening so that the annual Field Day Parade could come down Main Street again but as it turned out, it rained anyway. Maybe next year. 

 A recent bridge closing hits close to home. The Rhodes Road bridge has been closed indefinitely. I still remember the old steel frame and wooden deck bridge that it replaced. We had a pretty good swimming hole there when I was a kid. I can close my eyes and still see the tar on the wooden planks that covered the bridge. I remember the "clacking" noise the cars would make as they drove over it. At that time it was still a dirt road. The existing bridge was built around 1963 or 1964. The road was paved at that time also. After almost 40 years of constant use, its finally showing its age. It is somewhat of an inconvenience as far as emergency vehicles are concerned, but the majority of folks on Rhodes Road and McFadden Road are enjoying the peace and quiet, for it has become a popular shortcut over the years for residents in South Apalachin and Pennsylvania. Traffic was quite heavy at certain times of the day. 

 Until I stopped to think about it, I never realized how many bridges there actually are around here. We only notice the large ones but if you include the small ones and the culverts, there are a lot of them to keep inspected and maintained. 

 Between Route 434 and the Pennsylvania line, I can think of four bridges. I'm sure there are a few culverts I'm not aware of. Its interesting how we drive along every day and never really notice things right before our eyes until someone points them out to us. I'm now aware of all the bridges. 

 I wonder what else I'm missing? Until next time….Drive safe.
 
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