Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., Winner of ABCD Bridge Achievement Award

Troy, NY – July 9, 2007 – Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., was named winner of the Bridge Achievement Award from the Eastern New York Chapter of the Association for Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD). Selected for its work on the Hadley “Bow” Bridge over the Sacandaga River, this award reflects the successful completion of the restoration of the structure. Constructed in the late-nineteenth century, the bridge is the only remaining half-deck lenticular truss bridge in the world and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The one-lane bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 1983 because of severe deterioration. The bridge deck was removed in 2000 when it was no longer deemed safe for pedestrian use. Using the Historic Structures Report prepared by Ryan-Biggs, it was determined that the existing bridge could not be strengthened to carry legal loads. The county received a Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Federal Highway Administration. The work involved stabilization and rehabilitation of the existing bridge as well as construction of an independent structural system to support legal traffic loads. With County, New York State Historic Preservation Office, and Department of Transportation approval, the trusses were repaired, preserved, and incorporated into a new support system.

The bridge was selected as the winner by the organization as a way to annually recognize and honor outstanding bridge projects. DA Collins Construction Co., Inc., of Mechanicville was the General Contractor.

About Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C.
Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., is a consulting engineering firm specializing in structural engineering. Since 1973, they have been providing design services from their main office in Troy, New York, and branch offices in Skaneateles, New York, and West Chester, Pennsylvania.

About the Eastern NY Chapter of the Association of Bridge Construction and Design (ABCD)
Established in 1994, the Eastern New York Chapter of ABCD has over 130 members. The organization actively encourages participation of individuals that represent all of the different sectors of the bridge community including: Owners, Constructors, Designers, Maintainers, Material Suppliers, and Educators. The organization was founded to further educate members of the bridge community and the general public in the vital role of bridges in our society.