by Kristina Gabalski
Two village residents have told Brockport Village Board members they are not happy with the seasonal closing of the Smith Street Bridge. Both spoke during the public comment portion of the board’s regular meeting January 10.
In December, trustees voted to close the span over the Erie Canal seasonally to extend its useful life.
Thomas Lang, who lives on the village’s northwest side, questioned trustees about why they decided to close the bridge and if funds have been set aside for maintenance. He said alternatives like washing road salt from the bridge and rust proofing should be considered.
Lang said he and other people living in his part of the village are upset. “A lot of us are ticked-off by this,” he said.
Another resident also criticized board members for their decision. “I use that bridge twice a day,” he said. He noted that the seasonal closure is a growing concern for himself and his neighbors, “There is a lot of frustration.” He also said it is very difficult to get out onto Main St. from Clark Street now that there is a roundabout at the intersection of Main and East and West Avenues.
Traffic moves quickly through the roundabout, meaning there is almost a constant stream of traffic during commute hours, he said.
Mayor Connie Castaneda responded to the speakers. She explained that the village assumed responsibility for the bridge after it reopened in June 2011 following restoration by the New York State Department of Transportation.
She said the village board discussed the best way to maintain the bridge to extend its life.
“One suggestion was to shut down the bridge (during the winter) to prevent salt on the deck,” Castaneda said.
She explained the Village Department of Public Works cannot wash down the bridge because of concerns about salt getting into the canal bed.
“I urge the board to consider allocating more money to have the bridge open all year round,” Castaneda said.
She added that the bridge should be maintained for future generations.
