Fairport Lift Bridge reopens after nearly 2 years

FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WHEC) — After several delays, the Fairport Lift Bridge officially reopened Friday.

A ceremony was held at a nearby park and featured local leaders like Mayor Julie Domaratz, Congressman Joe Morelle, Senator Samra Brouk, and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. After a round of speeches, the group cut a large red ribbon to make the opening official.

The 105-year-old lift bridge over the Erie Canal had been closed for repairs since September 2019.

For the first time in 22 months, the Fairport lift bridge is open. Watch the ribbon cutting on @news10nbc at noon. pic.twitter.com/FnxxFAEoBp

— Berkeley Brean (@whec_bbrean) July 2, 2021

Initially, the project was expected to be done by November 2020. Officials with the New York State Department of Transportation say supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project twice in 2021.

Harmonica Pete plays prior to the opening of the Fairport lift bridge.
The bridge built in 1914 is only 9 years older than him. @news10nbc pic.twitter.com/wrgRlDufqC

— Berkeley Brean (@whec_bbrean) July 2, 2021

The bridge over the Erie Canal in Pittsford also reopened Friday. It closed to traffic in February 2021 to replace steel elements and reconstruct the concrete bridge deck, sidewalks, and approach slabs.

The Route 31 bridge had $3.5 million in upgrades to enhance safety and improve travel conditions. It was built in 1973, serving as one of two canal bridges providing access into the village’s business district.

The state DOT says the latest projects are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and strengthen existing canal infrastructure within the region.

Crews inspect bridges at least every two years. Any bridge deemed unsafe gets closed. If its condition is considered "poor," the DOT says that doesn’t imply the bridge is unsafe, but it does add it to a list for repairs.

The state has a public list of highway bridges and their status. Click here to view data in Monroe County or here to select a different county in New York.