Work to replace Rt. 251 bridge in Scottsville begins

New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) Regional Director Charles Moynihan announced the $2.6 million contract to replace the Route 251 (River Road) bridge over Oatka Creek in the Village of Scottsville has been awarded. The project will include enhancements to the bridge, Canal Street and the adjacent Canawaugus Park.

The new bridge will replace the existing 62 year-old structure. The bridge will be lined with replica historic railings and will be built on simulated stone faced concrete abutments. This treatment of the abutments will give the appearance of quarried limestone similar to that of the adjacent feeder gates of the historic Genesee Valley Canal locks. The bridge will have arched steel beams, period style antique lighting and brick sidewalk accents. A walkway will be built underneath the bridge for future development.

Canal Street, an existing gravel driveway off Rochester Street, will be reestablished as a street. It will consist of simulated brick sidewalk, plantings, lighting and a brick courtyard with a bench. Canal Street will be connected with the Genesee Valley Greenway and the adjacent Canawaugus Park by an elevated pedestrian boardwalk.

Significant improvements will also be made to the Canawaugus Park. The parking lot will be relocated to the south end of the park to create more green space. Wildflowers will be planted on the bridge embankments to reduce maintenance and to create more of a park-like setting. Walkways will be established throughout the park. A car top boat launch will be incorporated to improve access for canoeists, fishermen and general recreation.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be prohibited while the project is under construction. The boardwalk will be built first to permit pedestrians access to Canawaugus Park and the Greenway throughout the project. Construction is scheduled to be completed by May 2003.