Champlain bridge replacement update

ADDISON, Vt. (AP) -- Vermont Transportation officials say the "chances are good" the deteriorated Lake Champlain bridge could be dropped into the water with explosives before the lake freezes over.

Transportation Agency spokesman John Zicconi says the pieces of the bridge between Addison, Vt., and Crown Point, N.Y., would then be removed from the water for disposal.

The bridge was closed last month after engineers determined it was unsafe. They have since said it could be too unstable to dismantle piece by piece.

Meanwhile, construction has begun in Crown Point on an approach to a temporary ferry crossing that will help move people between the two states.

Zicconi says it's expected a contractor will be chosen Monday to do the work on the ferry approach on the Vermont side of the lake.