Montour Falls, NY – Join us Friday, October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the historic Mill Street Bridge, spanning the gap above scenic Shequaga Falls near downtown Montour Falls, as residents and dignitaries alike celebrate the re-opening of this newly refurbished landmark.
Schuyler County Administrator Tim O’Hearn observed “We are thankful to Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Transportation for including this project in the BridgeNY program. This is but the latest example of the collaborative partnership between the county and state. This has resulted in huge improvements to our infrastructure without burdening our local property tax payers. We are proud and excited to reopen this fully restored historic structure!”
The ribbon cutting will include remarks by County Legislators Phil Barnes and Dennis Fagan, Mayor John King, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Senator Tom O’Mara, representatives from the NYSDOT Hornell office, and will also feature a ceremonial first car over the bridge as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Owned by Schuyler County, but located in the village of Montour Falls, the Schuyler County Historical Society provided the following details about the original ribbon cutting celebrating the bridge’s initial construction: Schuyler County Supervisors approved plans in the early 1940s for a new, larger Mill Street Bridge 12 feet longer than the previous bridge on a new location 20 feet west of the previous structure. The new bridge was officially opened in 1949. Earl Vedder, Marshall, led the participating groups: the Montour Falls Fire Department, the Legion Cadets’ band from Watkins Glen and the Drum and Bugle Corps, Montour Falls. Charles Parks, town superintendent stretched a scarlet ribbon mid-way across the bridge. After the marching bands and the Fire Department line up on the bridge a car driven by George Barton Jr., and carrying his mother, Mrs. George Barton Sr., Mrs. Barton Jr., and Mrs. J. Lynn Gibbs drove on and came to a stop before the ribbon. Mrs. Barton Sr. and Mrs. Gibbs cut the ribbon and the car became the first vehicle to transverse the bridge.
Convenient parking will be limited, and attendees are advised to first go up towards the bridge, then turn right to go uphill, then turn around and come back down the hill, parking on the right side of the road facing downhill.
Questions should be directed to Ken Thurston, Schuyler County Highway Superintendent, at 607-535-2531. A variety of photos taken by Schuyler County Legislator Phil Barnes throughout the project are available for media use at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5cs4jlktly54p0v/AADbZrOoDgwgDcX5yGOYkWIXa?dl=0
