The Water Street Bridge is one of three historically significant, wrought-iron, lenticular, pony truss bridges that were built over the Tioughnioga River under one contract by the Berlin Iron Company in 1881. The other two are immediately downstream and are still open for limited use by passenger cars only. The Water Street Bridge was closed around 1975 due to severe deterioration of the deck. In 1990, the Village of Homer was awarded a historic preservation grant to restore the bridge. RBA provided in-depth inspection and evaluation of the bridge to develop feasible alternatives for rehabilitation and reuse. The most feasible alternative was to restore the bridge as a pedestrian bridge, for which there was a compelling need in the village. RBA prepared final design and details for restoring the metal trusses and addition of a new timber deck. The stone masonry abutments and pier were also restored, and handicapped-accessible barriers were installed at each approach to preclude use by motorized vehicles. The bridge was officially reopened with a gala celebration in August 1991.
