Local, state and federal officials have announced a feasibility study will be conducted to come up with alternative plans for the seasonal Irondequoit Bay Outlet Bridge, which is closed to vehicular traffic 7 months of the year.
The bridge is open for boaters only between April and October 31st.
Irondequoit Town Supervisor Dave Seeley cutting off vehicular traffic negatively impacts businesses in both towns, and from a public safety viewpoint, he says it obvious we can't isolate the communities for 7 months of the year.
Now, the Genesee Transportation Council is funding an alternative analysis study to explore the options for a year-round bridge for both cars and boats.
"This is the first time I can say we have an action item that represents momentum and progress in this endeavor. It's my hope next year we'll be standing on this same spot, with an alternative we can rally behind," Seeley said.
A solution would suit Fran Beth, owner of Marge's Lakeside Inn, just fine.
"It is very tough on on all the businesses down here. Being on a dead-end street is the most unfavorable thing for any business," she said.
Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle says it's important to to be able to connect Webster and Irondequoit and the eastern towns together all year, not only for commerce but for public safety, as well.
"This study today by the Genesee Transportation Council beginning this is critically important to those of us who call Irondequoit home, to those of us who call Webster home, and anyone up in the northeast part of Monroe County. So this is an important step forward," he said.
Morelle says he expects the state and federal government will eventually come together to fund a solution.
Cars were waiting in line to cross the bridge once it reopened:
Irondequoit Town Supervisor Dave Seeley on why there needs to be a solution: