Franklin Viaduct Bridge reopens

FRANKLIN — Sussex County helped Franklin cap off its 100th anniversary with the grand opening of two bridges on Monday.

Bridge E-07, which carries North Church Road over the Wallkill River and New York Susquehanna & Western Railroad, closed on Nov. 26, 2012, and has since been demolished and rebuilt. As the newly erected bridge was dedicated to former State Sen. and Franklin resident Robert Littell, members of the Littell family took the ceremonial first ride across the span on a Franklin Fire Department engine just before 1:30 p.m. before the bridge was reopened for regular traffic.

The bridge reconstruction project, completed by Belleville’s Ritacco Construction, was slated to cost $8.2 million, but “finished under budget and a day ahead of schedule,” according to state Sen. Steve Oroho, who spoke at the ceremony.

Oroho, who took over Littell’s vacated state Senate seat in 2008, said it was appropriate the new bridge be dedicated to Littell, as the retired senator had a reputation for “building bridges” in the legislature throughout his 40-year career.

Sen. Littell himself was not well enough to attend the event, but the presence of his wife, children and granddaughter ensured that three generations of the political family were able to hold on to the memory.

“The sacrifice [of public service] is all worth it when you see something like the group of people here today,” said Littell’s daughter and State Assemblywoman Alison Littell-McHose.

McHose also pointed to the line of cars waiting to be one of the first to use the new bridge, which is expected to see roughly 10,000 vehicles per day.

In addition to several county dignitaries, state Assemblyman Parker Space, Franklin Mayor Paul Crowley, Administrator Jim Kilduff and several members of the borough council were in attendance.

Crowley thanked the nearby residents, especially those of Susquehanna Street, who had been affected by the construction.

Church Street Bridge
Albeit with less fanfare, Bridge E-06 — which carries Church Street over the Wallkill River — was reopened about two hours before the Viaduct Bridge. The smaller bridge had been closed since September.