The state comptroller found that 12.8 percent of local bridges across the state are structurally deficient; 20.7 percent are functionally obsolete; and it will cost $27.4 billion in estimated costs to repair all locally owned New York bridges. Bridges that are deemed “structurally deficient” are considered safe to drive on, but have either load-bearing elements in poor condition or are prone to repeated flooding.

George Spanos, Chautauqua Department of Public Facilities director, said the county owns 307 bridges in total. Of those, there are 35 bridges that have been deemed structurally deficient. This means that 11.4 percent of bridges in the county are structurally deficient, a lower percentage than the statewise average of 12.8 percent.

“The bridges are part of our transportation infrastructure,” he said. “We have been fortunate that we have a good program (for bridges).”

Everyone benefits from the use of bridges, Spanos said, but they are equally important in sectors such as public safety due to their use by emergency response personnel. However, the needs are exceeding what the state provides in funding, he said.

A view of the South Main Street Bridge from below. According to a report by the state Comptroller’s Office, 35 bridges in the county have been deemed structurally deficient. P-J photo by Katrina Fuller

Spanos said the state provided funds last year through the Bridge NY program, but the funds have yet to be realized.

The report from the state comptroller’s office found that concerns are growing on how local governments will find funding for repairs.

“Local communities are facing a big price tag for maintaining and repairing bridges,” said Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “These structures are aging and the cost for repairs will likely only increase over time. Many local governments understand the long-term planning for their infrastructure needs but they will need help.

While the state has taken steps to make funds for repairs available, the assistance of the federal government has also been critical. Difficult decisions lie ahead, but these infrastructure needs must be addressed.”

According to the report, local bridges are more likely to be structurally deficient than state-owned bridges. The highest number of structurally deficient local bridges are in New York City with 86 bridges, followed by Erie County with 52 bridges, Ulster County with 46 bridges and Steuben County with 40 bridges.

The total cost of needed repairs to all 17,462 highway bridges in the state was estimated at $75.4 billion in 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration National Bridge Inventory. For local bridges, those in New York City have the highest estimated costs at $20.4 billion, nearly three-quarters of the $27.4 billion estimated for all local bridges.