Through Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s BRIDGE NY program, Genesee County received two grants to rebuild two local bridges in Pembroke and Byron.
According to the governor’s website, the state is making $200 million available in enhanced assistance for local governments to rehabilitate and replace bridges and culverts statewide.
The Pratt Road bridge over Tonawanda Creek in Pembroke was structurally red flagged and load posted for 5 tons.
Highway Superintendent Tim Hens said the bridge over Tonawanda Creek is one of the top bridges in terms of need for replacement.
“It’s not a high-volume road,” Hens said. “But it is a key connector.”
The bridge replacement will be $178,000, with 95 percent being federally funded.
The Searles Road bridge over Spring Creek in Byron will also be replaced.
Hens said the capital project established would amount to $133,000 for the Searles Road bridge, with 95 percent being federally funded.
This fall they will go through the design process and both bridges should be ready for construction in 2018.
“By time the state executes their part of the grant, the clock starts ticking,” Hens said. “We have to have the bridge under construction in 18 months.”