Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) announced today that a plan is in place to make long-awaited repairs to the Route 98 Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal in the Village of Albion. Hawley said that these infrastructure repairs often have positive spill-over effects to other industries, such as transportation and construction, and that he is proud to announce public safety taking priority in his district.

“I am proud to announce that infrastructure improvements are taking place right here in Albion,” Hawley said. “Work is scheduled to begin very soon on the lift bridge, and I have been told that we could see a completed project as early as March. Projects such as these are crucial for the transportation of heavy materials that go through Albion. These repairs will not only improve the safety of the bridge but allow heavier loads to cross once repairs are complete, which, in turn, cuts down on travel time and reduces costs for local businesses.”

Hawley’s comments come after it was announced by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) that the Route 98 Lift Bridge in Albion is having its maximum load reduced from 22 tons to 19 tons effective January 28 in order to begin bridge repairs. The bridge may need to close for periods during the construction, but notifications will be made through local media and news outlets.