Filling the gap
Local bridges to be replaced
Two bridges in Northern Chautauqua County have been awarded state funding.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesday announced $20.3 million in funding to rehabilitate and replace 15 bridges and culverts across Western New York. The funding, provided through Round One of the Governor’s BRIDGE NY initiative, is part of a $21.1 billion, multi-year capital plan to upgrade critical roads, bridges and other vital transportation infrastructure across New York state.
According to Cuomo, $750,000 is heading to the city of Dunkirk for Howard Avenue over Crooked Brook Creek and $1.9 million is heading to Chautauqua County for Matteson Street over Canadaway Creek in Fredonia.
“Infrastructure is the key to our prosperity and through this program, we are providing funding to local governments in every corner of this state to help ensure their bridges remain reliable, resilient, and able to meet the demands of current and future generations of New Yorkers,” Gov. Cuomo said. “This is another step toward a safer, stronger and more secure New York for all.”
Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said the city worked with the Department of Transportation and the county to get the material needed to fix the culvert. With their help, the material is in the city and work to open Howard Avenue will begin in the spring.
The BRIDGE NY program emphasizes projects that address poor structural conditions; mitigate weight restrictions or long detours; facilitate economic development or increase competitiveness; and/or reduce the risk of flooding. It is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation.
“Much of our state’s infrastructure is in need of serious repairs and upgrades. Having safe roads that are devoid of potholes and other issues is an important part of our efforts to create jobs and grow our local economy. As part of last year’s budget, the Senate fought to guarantee local input for the BRIDGE NY program, because our communities know where the funding is most needed. These projects represent how progress can be made when our state and local governments work together. With a strong network of well-maintained roads, highways and bridges, we can attract new employers, help existing businesses get their goods to market, and ensure safety for all motorists,” State Sen. Catharine Young said.
Projects were selected for funding through a competitive process that evaluated the resiliency of each structure; current structural conditions; and the significance and importance of the bridge, including traffic volumes, detour considerations, number and types of businesses served; and impacts on commerce.
In Cattaraugus County, the following bridges received funds:
¯ $1.33 million to Cattaraugus County for Martin Road over Forks Creek
¯ $974,000 to Cattaraugus County for County Road 6 over Mud Creek
¯ $258,000 to the town of Olean for Back Hinsdale Road over Rural Road
In Erie County, the following bridges received funds:
¯ $1.758 million to the city of Buffalo for Dewey Avenue over CSX railroad
¯ $4.845 million to the town of Amherst for J.J. Audubon Parkway over Ellicott Creek
¯ $400,000 to Erie County for Warner Hill Road (County Route 390) over a tributary to Cazenovia Creek
¯ $525,000 to Erie County for Amsdell Road over a drainage structure
¯ $2.185 million to Erie County for Quaker Street over Clear Creek
¯ $2.613 million to Erie County for Trevett Road over Eighteen Mile Creek
Four bridges in Niagara County also were awarded funds, totalling $2,852,000.
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