The DOT Website finally posted the advisorie!

Overnight Bridge Work Begins Thursday May 15 on NY Routes 5 & 20, Montezuma Area (Seneca/Cayuga Counties)
The New York State Department of Transportation announced that beginning on Thursday, May 15, overnight work will begin on the bridge carrying NY routes 5 and 20 over the Cayuga Lake Outlet at the Cayuga/Seneca county line.

The closure will be in place most nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. On nights when the construction schedule does not demand on-site work, the bridge will remain open to traffic.

During closure hours, traffic will be routed via the following detour, approximately 13 miles in length:

Eastbound through traffic: north on Route 89, then east on Route 31, then south on Route 90 to Routes 5 and 20.

Westbound through traffic: north on Route 90, then west on Route 31, then south on Route 89 to Routes 5 and 20.

Local traffic will be able to approach both ends of the bridge on Routes 5 and 20 to ensure access to the homes and businesses in the area.


Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of the driver’s license.

It will be a real pain to some, depending on timing and scheduals, but everyone should be glad that the work is being done.

Anyone who needs memory refreshment should watch this video of the Minnesota bridge collapse:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nerQhIyOwxM

It really isnt that bad of a drive.

I think of it as the scenic route, although if I had to do it every day, it would be more onerous. Still, it beats driving on the bridge, every day, with no interruption for maintanence, until someday it possibly falls into the river while you're on it.

Tuesday May 13, 2008, 3:52 PM
Auburn, NY -- Beginning Thursday, overnight work will close the bridge carrying Routes 5 and 20 over the Cayuga Lake Outlet at the Cayuga/Seneca county line.

The closure will be in place most nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the week. On weekends, and nights when the construction schedule does not demand on-site work, the bridge will remain open to traffic. Construction is expected to continue into June.

During closure hours, traffic will be routed onto the following detour, which is about 13 miles:

Eastbound traffic: North on Route 89, then east on Route 31, then south on Route 90 to Routes 5 and 20.

Westbound traffic: North on Route 90, then west on Route 31, then south on Route 89 to Routes 5 and 20.

Local traffic will be able to approach both ends of the bridge on Routes 5 and 20 to ensure access to the homes and businesses in the area.

Another update



Subject: Freebridge Update

Date: Tue, 13 May 2008 15:21:37 -0400




The contractor has told us that the Freebridge will be closed from 6pm to 6am on May 15th and May 16th.



They will have the bridge open with no closings for the week of May 18th through May 26th.



They will let us know when they decide on closures for the week after Memorial Day.



Have a nice day,




Deputy Director Emergency Services

Thank you Gio for the update.

Gio is controlling the gate to his back yard......what power he has....all HAIL the GREAT GIO...gatekeeper of the mudlocks....

Unfortunately I'm not able to avoid driving that way since I work a 10p-8a shift in Auburn

I know the little lady will agree, wholeheartedly, she's working 9am till 7pm. This is gonna have a big effect on fuel, and mileage.

and nookie

I worked late tonight and took the detour home. I may have been a little off base on it not being a bad drive....

Yes, yes.... Wave to the little people....

the minions.....of your control...

I hadn't considered that, but, you might possible be correct. She was a bit extra tired last night, with the additional travel time. And as a matter of fact, I didn't get........

That's it. If ever there was a case for a lawsuit. "Local Man Sues State for Impacting Sex Life"

now back to your regularly scheduled program

Has anyone heard anymore info on the dates the bridge will be closed? I cant find info about it anywhere.