Lysander officials recently met with NYS Department of Transportation officials and Sen. John DeFrancisco to discuss the Route 370 bridge (over the Seneca River) closure.
Three options are being considered: caste in place (cost $2.2 million, bridge closed for 10 to 12 weeks); Caste in place ($2.5 million, eastbound lane open for six to seven months); and a pre-caste method ($3 million, bridge closed four to six weeks).
Supervisor John Salisbury said town officials would prefer the pre-caste method as in involves complete closure of the bridge for the shortest period of time in turn having less of an overall financial impact on peninsula residents. This option would begin in September 2013, but requires an additional half million dollars in funding that the DOT does not have. The town has been in talks with Sen. DeFrancisco to find additional funding.
In addition to the financial impact the closure will have on residents (increased fuel costs, extended day care costs, limited access to peninsula businesses, etc.), officials are also concerned about public safety, specifically limited access to emergency equipment, extended response times and increased traffic affecting pedestrian safety.
“We’re still looking at alternatives,” said Supervisor John Salisbury. “The DOT has not come to a definitive decision yet.”
Before a final decision is made, a meeting will be held with the Lysander Public Safety committee.
