Bethany Center Road

On the drive back from Genesee County Park early this afternoon, I stopped for some scenic shots along Bethany Center Road.

In a letter to the Department of Transportation, Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer has asked the agency to reconsider its delay in replacing the Bethany Center Bridge.

While the DOT has stated the bridge is safe, its visual deterioration gives the appearance of a bridge in a high degree of disrepair.

At one time, the bridge was scheduled for replacement in 2011, but it was moved down the priority list and the earliest proposed replacement is now 2015.

"I recognize that allocation of scarce resources is of particular concern, but I would urge you to reconsider the deferral of this project," Ranzenhofer wrote to Commissioner Joan McDonald. "Please consider adding this project to your list of top-priority projects and start the process that will allow this bridge to be replaced as expeditiously as possible."

Ranzenhofer said he has received numerous complaints about the bridge, both from residents and business owners. He cited the bridge as a vital link in local agriculture transportation, especially with the opening of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.

"Vital parts of the economy of the Genesee County would be seriously impacted by a failure of this bridge," Ranzenhofer wrote.

Download: Full letter (PDF).

After posting our pictures this morning of the Bethany Center Road bridge, we contacted some of the officials who might be able to provide information about potentially replacing the decaying structure. Here are the responses we received.

From Lori Maher, spokeswoman for the Department of Transportation:

The Bethany Center Road bridge over Route 20 in Bethany is open and safe for traffic despite its poor visual appearance. It is a candidate for future funding and will be competing for funds against other transportation needs in the seven-county area.

In a follow-up, Maher said no date for replacement has been scheduled.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

There are currently 2108 structurally deficient bridges in New York State, 214 in the Rochester Finger Lakes Region, with 123 bridges located in the 139th Assembly District. The Bethany Center Road bridge is slated for repair in 2015 once funding is approved. We are working diligently and directly with NYSDOT and our federal representatives to procure our equitable and fair share of funds to assure our motoring public and commerce are safe.

Daniel Aikin for Senator Michael Ranzenhofer:

Our district office has not been previously contacted about this specific bridge project, the decay and repair of the Bethany Center Road Bridge. Even though the bridge is located on a county road, the State Department of Transportation may have jurisdiction over the bridge since it crosses a state road, Route 20. Senator Ranzenhofer represented residents at the county level for many years, and he always makes an effort to assist with local infrastructure projects. As a state senator, he has been active in working with DOT officials -- both locally and in Albany -- on specific road and bridge projects. Our office has reached out to the State Department of Transportation for more information regarding this project.

From Grant Loomis, spokesman for Congressman-elect Chis Collins:

Upon taking office in January, Congressman-elect Collins will work hand-in-hand with local leaders to advocate for the necessary amount of federal matching funds to assist local communities in repairing and replacing aging infrastructure to ensure safety for the traveling public.