The bridge on State Route 23 in South New Berlin connects the cities of Norwich and Oneonta. (Photo by Shawn Magrath)

NEW BERLIN – State Assemblyman Joe Angelino (R-121st District) is weighing in on a bridge replacement project in South New Berlin, calling on the state DOT to re-think a proposed 27-mile construction detour that he says will put the community’s safety at risk.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will begin work during the 2024 construction season. The project entails a total replacement of the bridge that carries State Route 23 over the Unadilla River in the hamlet of South New Berlin while rerouting traffic south on Route 8 to State Route 51 in Mount Upton.

The alternate route would cause a huge disruption in travel times for commuters, transport, and emergency vehicles, according to local officials.

In a letter to NYSDOT job manager Lonni Rawson, Angelino said NYSDOT’s proposal to leave out a temporary bridge on Rt. 23 would be more than inconvenient for motorists traveling between the cities of Norwich and Oneonta; it would be unsafe.

“The closing of this bridge will cut a community in half and will also cut in half the South New Berlin Fire District,” he said. “As a weekly driver utilizing this bridge, I realize it needs repairs and/or replacement. However, I feel this 27-mile planned detour is a hardship and dangerous in cases of emergencies.”

In June, NYSDOT sent communications to local officials detailing the planned detour for through traffic. While NYSDOT’s initial project included a temporary bridge, the department now says soil conditions along Rt. 23 make it difficult and would put the project $1 million over budget – a concern that Angelino also addresses in his letter.

“Please don’t put a price on their safety,” he wrote. “During my legislative duties, I have seen millions of dollars flow to other areas of the state for lesser projects that have no public safety involved. The people in this rural community deserve the return on collective tax dollars for a temporary bridge over the Unadilla River.”