By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Five possible design concepts for a companion span to the existing Peace Bridge have been approved by state and federal regulators.
As a result of that approval, any of the concepts can move forward without planners being surprised by environmental concerns like those that scuttled plans for a nearly 600-foot high cable-stayed span. That concept was deemed too high and a possible threat to migratory birds.
Four of the five concepts are cable-stayed, with either two or three towers -- ranging in height from 300 to about 350 feet. The fifth span is marked by three gently, sloping arches of progressive heights, the highest of which is about 225 feet.
"With this federal approval, the Peace Bridge development is ready to move forward," said Governor David Paterson. "The environmental concerns have reconciled with the public's desire for a magnificent structure connecting the United State with Canada."