NYSDOT Anticipates That Traffic Can Safely Return By Early April
Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I - 59th District) announced today that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has informed him that the repair work necessary to return vehicular traffic to the Old 219 Bridge (South Cascade – Miller Road) spanning the Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford is moving forward on schedule.
“Safely restoring traffic to the Old 219 Bridge as quickly as possible has been one of my top priorities since the span’s abrupt closure on January 5th,” said Gallivan. “Working with partners in local government, officials within the Governor’s administration, and the residents of Springville; we were able to persuade the DOT expedite the repair schedule so that this disruption in the daily lives of the citizens and businesses of Springville can end as soon possible.”
According to the Department of Transportation, preparations to begin jacking the north and south abutment bearings is almost complete, with actual bridge lifting and preparation of the temporary support apparatus expected to be completed by the end of the week. The NYSDOT also reported that traffic is on schedule to be restored sometime in early April.
“Finally the businesses and residents of Springville can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. They have stood strong as a united community, and demanded action. Without their determination and perseverance, I don’t think we would have seen as much progress as we have up to this point;” said Gallivan, “they deserve their just praise.”
Following the initial closing of the bridge, Gallivan successfully pressured the NYSDOT to erect signs along NY Route 219 to inform motorists that Springville’s central business district was still open and accessible. The most recent NYSDOT communication stipulated that the Department is working with local officials and the chamber of commerce to erect similar signage at the intersection of NY Route 39 and North and South Cascade drives.
