Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) announced today that work on the Lapp Road bridges has commenced, and replacement of the two bridges along Lapp Road between Salt and Strickler Roads is underway.

"I am pleased to see this important project move into the construction phase," said Ranzenhofer. "All of the design and engineering pieces are in place, and soon enough, residents will once again have use of Lapp Road, which has been closed for a year now."

Ranzenhofer noted that a pre-construction meeting was held between the Erie County Highway Department and Catco, the contractor for the project, on Thursday, September 23, where residents had the opportunity to view the designs for the bridges. The first bridge has a scheduled completion date of December 1, and while the other bridge is due for construction in Spring, 2005, there is a possibility that it may be finished this fall.

"It is always important to remember that factors such as weather and supply problems can sometimes hinder a project," added Ranzenhofer. "Interestingly, however, certain factors have made it a possibility that both bridges may be finished this year, instead of waiting for the scheduled Spring completion date."

Ranzenhofer 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.

"I urge motorists, pedestrians and neighboring residents to proceed with extreme caution when approaching the Lapp Road, or any, work site or taking a detour around it," Ranzenhofer concluded.

For further information, contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's District Office at 631-8695.