Syracuse.com - DOT official responds to questions on Leto Island closure on Oswego River

[HuntingNY-News]

The bridge was closed to all traffic on Aug. 17, due to safety concerns over its structural condition. The closure has resulted in more anglers on the river's west side.

Last week, while working on my story about problems on the Oswego River fishing scene, I contacted Gene Cilento, an official at the state Department of Transportation's Syracuse office. Ciento responded to my questions, but due to space considerations I did not report them all in the story, which ran in Sunday's edition of The Post-Standard..

The following are my questions about the closure of the bridge (which has resulted in more anglers this fall being crowded on the west side of the river), followed by Cilento's responses

Just when did the state-owned bridge to Leto Island close, and what was the reason?

The bridge was closed to all traffic on August 17, 2011 due to safety concerns over its structural condition.

Why was the footpath to the island also closed?

Pedestrian passage on the bridge itself is no longer allowed for safety concerns due to holes in the bridge deck. If you’re referring to secondary access via the walkway on top of the canal gates, the question should be referred to the NYS Canal Corporation.

Did the salmon fishing season figure in at all by the state in its decision to make the closures?

No. This was a public safety decision.

How much would it take it fix the bridge and is there any timeline on those repairs being made? Any time this year?

We’re currently evaluating our options but don’t expect it to re-open it this year.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog