We have to agree with state Sen. George Borrello when it comes to the Chautauqua County Veterans Memorial Bridge.

After a statement by the state Department of Transportation earlier this week regarding the safety of the structure, Borrello noted his appreciation for the response. “Our office has been pressing the governor’s office and the New York state Department of Transportation to confirm the safety of the bridge that carries Interstate 86 over Chautauqua Lake as it undergoes construction work,” he said. “After an assessment, they have confirmed their position that it is safe.”

There is no question there have been worries over the structure. In the spring, a notice to our newspapers indicated one engineer’s position that much of the concrete barrier on the bridge’s south side had been removed while the north side of the structure had seen additional concrete “Jersey” barriers added, creating an unbalanced load distribution between the two ends of the bridge. To their credit, the DOT responded and said work was being re-evaluated.

Its most recent response was due to a social media post that recommended motorists avoid the structure due to deteriorating beams. Eric Meka, DOT Region 5 director, called those statements “false.”

With all the worries being sounded — from April to today — it is hard to imagine a decision to keep the bridge open if there was any doubt. In each instance, the DOT has issued a statement.

That is not only responsive, it is also being accountable.