CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, N.Y. — The New York State Thruway Authority announced that they will have to close all eastbound lanes on the I-90 between Westfield and Dunkirk beginning on Friday.
As of 4 a.m. Saturday, the NYS Thruway Authority said the eastbound at exit 60 (Westfield) has been reopened three hours ahead of schedule after the successful operation to remove a damaged piece of the North Road bridge.
Emergency repairs were required for an overpass in Chautauqua County.
Thruway officials say inspectors found a damaged girder for the overpass that carries North Road over the highway in the town of Portland. That damage stems from three bridge strikes since January from over-height limit trucks.
Repairs to replace the girder will take place beginning on Friday at 5 p.m. and go until the following day Saturday at 7 a.m.
All traffic to the area was diverted off of the highway at exit 60 in Westfield. Drivers should follow the Emergency Detour Route “D” which will direct traffic to NY Route 394 east, to US-20 east, to Route 60 north, and reentering the thruway at exit 59 in Dunkirk.
Some officials do point out that the detour even in the overnight hours could add quite a bit of truck traffic to the circle for Route 60 in Fredonia.
Chautauqua County Public Information Officer Justin Gould said, "During that overnight period I don't know how much of an effect that will have however we really do start to see traffic tick up Friday into Saturday especially because of people coming early to get their eclipse viewing spot, so I do think that could be a factor."
Gould added: "I shared the news on our county Facebook page with the emergency services office. Our director of public facilities was made aware of this last night so we did have a heads up that this was happening. But again any time you have to make emergency repairs that's always a tough call. When should you do it? It's just hard timing right now, especially with the eclipse."
Gould also pointed out that "in the wake of what we saw in Baltimore bridges are at a higher concern right now for a lot of people. So I give credit to the Thruway Authority and the state for trying to tackle this and make it safe for visitors. It's just difficult with the timing and this mass travel. Doing it over the night it does seem like the best plan."