Buffalo, N.Y. (WKBW release) -- New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald on Tuesday announced structural repairs will be expedited on the former Route 219 (South Cascade – Miller Road) Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek in the towns of Concord, Erie County, and Ashford, Cattaraugus County.
“The State Department of Transportation continues to work with state and local officials under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, to listen to the concerns and needs of our communities and improve our transportation infrastructure,” McDonald said in a news release. “The contract for the structural repairs on the former Route 219 Bridge over Cattaraugus Creek will begin immediately in order to restore this local connection for traffic between communities on both sides of Cattaraugus Creek.”
The bridge was closed to all traffic on January 5, 2012 to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
NYSDOT has invoked an emergency contract that will accelerate the replacement of bearings on the bridge abutment. Traffic is expected to be restored to the bridge by early April 2012.
New York Congressman Brian Higgins issued a news release Tuesday, welcoming the news. A portion of that news release reads:
“The bridge was closed without warning -- devastating local businesses during what is typically their most profitable time of year,” said Higgins. “For the last month the community was left wondering the fate of the route. Today the Department of Transportation reported to us the review is complete and they are bringing in their emergency contractors to make the necessary repairs.”
The bridge connects Erie County, represented by Congressman Higgins, and Cattaraugus County. Congressman Higgins’ office has been in regular communication with Springville leaders as well as several of the businesses impacted who each report they have lost thousands of dollars due to the forced detour of vehicles away from the primary business district.
Higgins credited the community for raising public awareness about the issue, “The residents and businesses of Springville stood up for themselves and made this happen.”
