Construction has begun on a project to replace the East Lake Road Bridge over Dewittville Creek in the town of Chautauqua.

The project will enhance safety and ease travel for motorists along a key connector for the flow of people and commerce in the region. Also known as State Route 430, East Lake Road is widely used by motorists traveling between Jamestown and Mayville, and also provides access to Interstate 86.

“The replacement of the East Lake Road Bridge is another example of New York’s commitment to investing in critical infrastructure by improving the roads and bridges throughout the Empire State,” said Marie Therese Dominguez, state transportation commissioner. “The new bridge will be more resilient and will strengthen an important commuter link that helps motorists get where they need to go every day.”

The $2 million project will replace the existing structure, which was originally constructed in 1937, with a new steel, multi-girder, single-span bridge that will have increased structural capacity and a designed lifespan of at least 75 years. Additionally, the new bridge will be built on top of concrete piles, which will reduce its vulnerability to scour. Heavy stone fill with willows and rock vanes will also strengthen the creek bed and further reduce erosion.

During construction, traffic will utilize off-site detours that will help minimize the project’s duration. Passenger vehicles will be directed to follow a posted detour along Thum, Bayview and Springbrook roads. Truck traffic will be directed to follow a truck detour along Interstate 86 and Route 394. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.