Sen. Schumer: Federal infrastructure bill will fund local deficient bridge replacements

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — For years, chunks of concrete have been falling from the bridges that carry I-590 over Monroe Avenue in Brighton and for years, the State Department of Transportation has told News10NBC that while the bridges and many others in the region may look bad, they are inspected annually and if they’re open to traffic, they’re structurally sound.

Still—there are about 50 bridges in the Finger Lakes Region that are considered to be in “poor” condition, meaning they are reaching the end of their lifespan and will need to be replaced.

“We know that dilapidated bridges are dangerous and they pose safety issues every day, it gets worse every day these bridges are not repaired… a little worse, and a little worse, and a little worse,” Sen. Maj. Leader Chuck Schumer said at a press conference in Rochester on Monday.

Typically, the NYS Department of Transportation prioritizes projects based on the funding it has available in any given year. Sen. Schumer says with the passage of the federal infrastructure bill, New York will get $1.9 billion for bridges specifically, and that should take care of most of the bridges in “poor” condition in our region.

“Over 50% of the transportation needs are not being undertaken simply because the region doesn’t have the money. The federal government will give it a shot in the arm to make up that gap,” Sen. Schumer said.

NYS DOT inspectors review each bridge in a region annually. To search a bridge and its safety record, click here.

In a statement, a spokesman for the NYS DOT said, “The bridges carrying Interstate 590 over Monroe Avenue in Brighton are regularly inspected by licensed engineers and are safe for all legal loads. While a project to replace these structures is currently in development, the State Department of Transportation continues to monitor their condition and performs maintenance as required.”