The long-anticipated reopening of the Main Street lift bridge in Brockport is facing yet another delay, and now a local lawmaker is pushing for financial relief for businesses affected by the ongoing closure.
Bridge closed for over a year
The 110-year-old bridge, which spans the Erie Canal in downtown Brockport, has been closed for more than a year, disrupting local traffic, commerce, and major community events. The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen in September 2024.
In August, the Village of Brockport announced new issues that have pushed the expected reopening to November 2025.
Reasons for the latest delay
“The biggest hurdle we’re facing is a shortage of skilled iron workers. DOT is actively working to see if they can bring in a crew from the New York City area to help speed things along,” Mayor Ben Reed said in a statement on the village’s website.
Contractor fined for delays
The New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) has been fining the contractor $7,000 per day for the delay.
Lawmaker calls for small business relief
In response to the closure’s impact on downtown businesses, Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith has sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul requesting that the contractor fines be redirected into a relief fund for Brockport’s small businesses.
“These delays have had a crippling impact on our Main Street businesses,” wrote Smith. “Several businesses have already closed or relocated due to unsustainable losses, and many more remain at risk of shuttering.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Lawmaker to Hochul: Use bridge fines to help Brockport businesses
Reporting by Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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