DOT begins survey work for 531 extension

New York State Department of Transportation expected to begin preliminary engineering and environmental studies in the towns of Sweden, Clarkson, Ogden and the village of Brockport in Monroe County, to pursue the possible extension of Route 531 to the west.

"The very first step of the process is to collect elevation and topographical information of the existing terrain," Regional Director Charles Moynihan said.

Aerial photography will be used to measure elevation, capture the image of the terrain and generate maps. The area to be photographed is approximately seven miles in length and 4 miles in width. About 120 field targets will be used as control points for the aerial photographer. The targets are 2" x 4" boards, painted white and placed on the ground in the shape of an X. In the center of the boards is a steel pin and cap that will be placed flush with the ground. The placement of field targets does not indicate anything more than control points used for mapping purposes over a wide area, according to DOT representatives. After the photos are taken, the boards will be removed, but the steel pin and cap will remain for future survey efforts.

It will be necessary to place targets on private properties. Individual letters are being sent to inform property owners of this necessary work. Targets will be placed when the snow cover meets. The flight is expected to take place by mid-April.

A public information meeting will be held in the upcoming months to explain the project process and to collect input, according to the DOT.