Another bridge on Gillett Road set to close for repairs; Ogden supervisor expresses frustration

Another bridge on Gillett Road set to close for repairs; Ogden supervisor expresses frustration Evan Bourtis News10NBC Gillett Road in Ogden (WHEC file photo) OGDEN, N.Y. — Months after the CSX overpass bridge on Gillett Road reopened following a nearly two-year closure , a different bridge on the same road is set to close for repairs. Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale said the state-owned bridge over the Erie Canal will close starting Monday, Nov. 30. In a Facebook post , he said the New York State Department of Transportation expects the road to reopen by April 2. “I know many residents are probably thinking, ‘Haven’t we had enough road closures on Gillett Road?’ I understand that frustration. My first reaction was the same,” Zale said in his post. Zale described the DOT’s announcement as a “frustrating road update.” He asked the DOT why crews didn’t repair the canal bridge while the road was already shut down to repair the CSX bridge. The DOT told him there was a stalemate between the county and CSX at the time that led crews to pause the repair project. Here’s Zale’s post: “NYSDOT told me that work on the canal bridge had begun in 2023, but was paused because of staffing and budget constraints while the CSX bridge remained closed. They saw the stalemate between the County and CSX and told me they believed the road would never reopen, so instead they stoped repairs and shifted their resources elswhere.” “Boy did we prove them wrong in getting the bridge repaired and the problem resolved. Except now that the CSX overpass has been repaired, NYSDOT needs to return and finish the canal bridge work. They also told me the work cannot be done during navigation season, so this winter is the time they selected.” Zale said he has contacted first responders, the Highway Department, and the school district so they can prepare for the closures. Since school bus routes are already set, the closure could create challenges, especially during the winter, according to Zale. Check back for any updates. The CSX bridge closed in 2023 because a DOT inspection found several structural issues . A year later, local leaders called on CSX to fix the bridge after several complaints from residents. Leaders also issued a formal letter requiring the company to repair or replace the bridge or face legal action.