Smith Street bridge in Brockport closed

New York State Department of Transportation closed the Smith Street bridge over the Erie Canal in the village of Brockport. A bridge inspection revealed additional, rapid deterioration of the steel since the bridge was posted for a maximum of three tons last season.

No detour will be posted, but nearby crossings include Redman Road, Main Street and Park Avenue. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians.

Village of Brockport Mayor Mort Wexler said the village was informed five or six months ago that the bridge was in disrepair. "I know the fire department doesn't use it and I know school buses don't go over it," he said.

Wexler said DOT officials called him at 2:30 p.m. on June 14 and said the bridge would be closed as of June 15.

There is a possibility the bridge could be rehabilitated by the DOT but following repairs, ownership of the bridge would revert to the village. "The life span - once it's repaired - would be 50 to 75 years," Wexler said. "The village board would have to eventually make a decision on whether we would want to own a bridge."

Wexler said, according to a DOT survey, close to 1,400 vehicles utilized the Smith Street bridge daily. "Having that closed will certainly place a burden on the other bridges in the village," he said.

It is not known when the bridge will be repaired and reopened.

June 18, 2006