Site work and paving for a bridge / tunnel in Acra, New York. Completed plans call for site work for a bridge / tunnel; and for paving for a bridge / tunnel.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties are the owners and managers of the Siuslaw Model Forest (SMF), a 142-acre NYC watershed demonstration and recreation site. The Siuslaw Model Forest, located in Acra, NY, is split roughly in half by the Sawmill Creek. The South-Southeastern portion of the property has two access points along NY 23. There is a stewardship entrance formally used as a log landing as well as a main entrance to the parking lot and donor residence. The North- Northwestern acreage is not accessible by road, RoW or CCE-owned property. There are stable trails, demonstrations, and woodland stewardship projects throughout the entire property that staff, visitors and vehicles must cross the Sawmill Creek to access. A sizeable stretch of the Sawmill Creek runs through Siuslaw but is largely inaccessible. It is mostly flanked by steep banks with fluctuating stability due to high energy flows. The one relatively stable area for crossing was established as a ford connecting the main forest road, but is unpredictable and is not a feasible option for pedestrians. To provide both vehicular and pedestrian access across Sawmill Creek, a 50- foot, steel frame hinged portable bridge will be installed to span the ford crossing. The structure will be a permanent demonstration of a temporary bridge used during logging operations. This project involves the permanent installation of the bridge (weighs 36,000 pounds), which is currently located on site. Plans are to bury large stackable rock as footers across the road on either side of the stream to set the bridge on. Installation of the bridge will require sourcing and placing (excavate and bury) the rock base footers and setting, leveling and securing the bridge. This project would need to be completed September 30, 2025 to comply with NYS DEC timing restrictions for work in a trout stream. Bids are invited for 1. Installation of the bridge (described above) ***Note: Each contractor is required to schedule a site visit in order to bid on the project.***