The new Matteson Street Bridge over the Canadaway Creek in Fredonia will be opened to traffic starting Friday.

The bridge is being opened almost two months ahead of schedule due to favorable construction weather this summer and quicker-than-anticipated work by Union Concrete & Construction Corporation and C&S Engineers. The Fredonia Department of Public Works also contributed to the project.

“The old bridge had deteriorated as the steel girders and concrete abutments had reached the end of their useful life,” said Brad Bentley Chautauqua County director of public facilities. “With the replacement bridge now in place, the Matteson Street Bridge provides a safe crossing with no structural deficiencies and an expected service life of 50 to 75 years and includes energy efficient LED lighting.”

The Matteson Street Bridge replacement project was submitted by Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities to New York State Department of Transportation and was selected as a BRIDGENY-funded project. In being selected, the $2 million cost of the bridge replacement project will be paid for with 95% federal funds and 5% local funds. With the early completion of this project, the county expects the final cost of the bridge replacement to come in under the original budget.