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Published: October 02, 2007 12:59 pm
THOMPSON: Inspect, fund, fix those bridges now
This is a letter from State Senator Antoine M. Thompson to Michael Fleischer, Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority:
“ I have been advised that the four bridges connecting Grand Island to Western New York are rated in ‘below poor’ condition. These bridges are the only means of transportation on and off the Island.
“Given the poor condition of the bridges and the recent tragedy in Minnesota, I must request an emergency study of the Grand Island Bridges. The Thruway Authority must examine the need for emergency repairs to these bridges. I am requesting that you locate emergency funding for these bridges.
“It is unacceptable to have 130,000 vehicles per day subjected to perilous travel in this state or any other. I would like the emergency study, subsequent repairs and emergency funding be accomplished within the next thirty days.”
Previously, Thompson told the Record he had sent a series of letters to the authority regarding the safety of the GI bridges.
Thompson recently told the Record: “We want emergency funding from the state for the bridges,” he said. “But also for infrastructure across the state.”
“I believe there needs to be an upstate infrastructure bond act to deal with not only the bridges but old water lines, sewer lines, curbs and sidewalks,” he said. “Upstate really needs help, and especially for the older cities like Niagara Falls and Buffalo.”
The Town Board of Grand Island entered Thompson’s letter into its consent agenda.
“It pretty impressive,” said councilman Gary Roesch. “He’s expecting an answer back in 30 days.”
The letter was dated Aug. 10, 2007.
Councilman Richard Crawford offered some insight into the state of the bridges. “The inspection report that was given did not include the new work that had been done with the steel,” he said.
A new report with ratings will be issued that reflect the improvements, he said.
19 QUESTIONS
Sen. Antoine Thompson requested the following questions be answered:
1. How much would it cost to replace the bridges?
2. How much is currently available to fix bridges?
3. Should the tolls come down?
4. How many trusses on the bridges?
5. Are the trusses compromised with the weight of the traffic?
6. Does the weather and variations in it compromise the bridges? Or accelerate the deterioration of the bridges?
7. How much worse do the bridges have to get before they close them?
8. What was the rating of the Minnesota bridge? Was it similar to the GI bridges?
9. Can I have a copy of the most recent inspection report? And the load report?
10. What are the similarities with the Minnesota bridge?
11. What is the volume on the bridges?
12. Is there money available to fix the bridges?
13. Does traffic standing on the bridges contribute to the stressing on the structure?
14. Substructure — what plans do you have for repair?
15. Superstructure — what plans do you have for repair?
16. Have any of the four Grand Island Bridges been red flagged or yellow flagged?
17. Both the South Grand Island Bridges are in disrepair. The southbound South Grand Island Bridge has falling concrete and buts. Is there a plan for replacement or repair? Has that bridge been red or yellow flagged?
18. The rating on the bridges is below poor. Is that anything less than that?
19. Would removing truck traffic off the bridges improve public safety on the bridges?
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