Senator Kathy Marchione: Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge remaining open is an important victory for local residents

For Release: Thursday, September 8, 2016
 

Halfmoon, NY – Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, today hailed news that the Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge will remain open, saying that it was "an important victory for local residents" and that she was proud to advocate on behalf of local communities for the bridge to stay open.

In the face of strong opposition from Senator Marchione, and the local community, the State Department of Transportation (DOT) announced yesterday afternoon that it was no longer moving forward with plans to close the Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge. Since being first informed of the State DOT’s plan to close the Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge, Senator Marchione has listened to local residents’ concerns and continually advocated with DOT to keep the bridge open.

“Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge is a vital link in Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs’ infrastructure and this bridge remaining open is an important victory for local residents,” Senator Marchione said.

“Since I was first notified of the State DOT’s preliminary plans to close the bridge, I’ve been in regular contact with local residents, elected officials and Sam Zhou, DOT Region 1 Director, and other DOT personnel. I urged Director Zhou and the DOT to rethink their plan to close the bridge this fall. I’m thrilled that they listened as closing the Nelson Avenue Extension Bridge would have negatively impacted local communities and the commutes of area motorists. I thank Director Zhou for hearing my concerns, and the concerns expressed by local residents. I’ll continue standing with local communities to advocate for critical infrastructure needs, and deliver proper funding for stronger roads, better bridges and safer commutes for motorists,” Senator Marchione stated. 

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