The Yates County Legislature will move forward with plans for a temporary two-lane bridge during the upcoming rehabilitation of the Ferguson Corners Road bridge.
Lawmakers voted 13-1 against rescinding the proposal, with Legislator Dan Banach casting the only vote in favor of abandoning the temporary bridge plan.
The temporary structure is expected to cost approximately $750,000 upfront. County officials said as much as 95% of the expense could be reimbursed, leaving Yates County responsible for about $37,500 if the anticipated funding is approved.
Banach argued that spending three-quarters of a million dollars on a structure expected to be used for only three months would not be fiscally responsible, even if the state reimburses most of the cost.
Supporters of the plan cited the disruption that a lengthy detour would cause. Farmers use the bridge to move equipment between fields, while a closure without a temporary crossing could also affect school bus routes, other motorists and nearby businesses.
The rehabilitation comes amid additional concerns about the condition of the existing bridge. Earlier this year, the county received notice of a second state Department of Transportation “yellow flag,” indicating another potential structural or safety issue requiring attention.
