Your Stories Q&A: NYSDOT closes Oswego County bridge after more deficiencies found
WEST MONROE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – You ask, we answer!
We have an update to a story out of Oswego County.
The original question we answered on June 11: When will work begin on the Route 49 bridge that goes over Big Bay Creek in West Monroe? It’s been down to one lane for weeks, with no sign of construction crews.
The bridge, located on Route 49, dates back to the 1940s. It was reduced to one lane back on May 20 by the New York State Department of Transportation.
The NYSDOT said it made the move due to deficiencies found on the westbound side of the bridge.
“NYSDOT is designing a repair for the structure and expects work to get underway once that process is complete. In the meantime, the bridge remains safe for travel,” the NYSDOT said on June 10.
Since our last report, more issues have been discovered with the bridge. All lanes are now closed.
The NYSDOT said bridge deck repairs are needed and the bridge will remain closed through mid-November.
Statement from NYSDOT:
Safety is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation. Out of an abundance of caution, the department closed the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek after additional deficiencies were found and trucks continued to drive across the bridge, even though there was a posted weight restriction of 6 tons.
While locals will know a shorter way around the closure, the official detour will certainly add time to your commute.
NYSDOT Detour:
Drivers are advised to follow detours directing westbound traffic to Route 13 north, west on Route 69, to 81 South, to Exit 32 in Central Square, and west on Route 49.
The detours for eastbound traffic will direct drivers to 81 North, exit 33 in the Parish, to the east side on Route 69, to the south on Route 13, and the east on Route 49.
Construction is weather-dependent and could change based on the conditions, the NYSDOT said
This bridge is slated to be replaced next year. According to an NYSDOT document, the new replacement will cost more than $3 million.
A NYSDOT spokesperson said construction on the new bridge is anticipated to start next spring.
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