Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) announced today that the Erie County Legislature has approved the funding for the Lapp Road bridges project in the Town of Clarence. The project will be bid on August 24.

"I'm pleased to report that the county is moving forward with the reconstruction of the two Lapp Road bridges," said Ranzenhofer. "Pending the approval of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the award of the bid contract, construction will begin in late August/early September." The two bridges along Lapp Road are between Strickler and Salt Roads. Ranzenhofer noted that one bridge is scheduled to be completed this fall, the other in Spring, 2005.

"Road and bridge repair schedules are always tentative due to weather conditions, availability of materials and emergency situations that may demand attention," added Ranzenhofer. "The Lapp Road Bridge project is, however, expected to be completed in its entirety by next spring."

Ranzenhofer pointed out that the bid analysis for the project has been submitted to the NYSDOT for its approval, which is a pre-requisite of any county project that receives Federal funds in assistance. He also reminded motorists that the detour which has been in place since the closure of the main bridge in October of 2003 due to structural deterioration, which uses Salt Road to County Road, will remain in effect until the completion of the project.

"As with all highway projects, I urge motorists, pedestrians and neighboring residents to proceed with extreme caution when approaching a work site or taking a detour around it," Ranzenhofer concluded.