Bridge closures and more in this update...

ROUTE 66 "BUNKER'S BRIDGE" TO BE CLOSED TO NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC
The project to replace Bunker’s Bridge carrying Route 66 over the Claverack Creek at the Claverack/Greenport town line will begin Monday March 14th. This will result in a detour for all northbound traffic that will continue through November 30, 2016. You may have noticed that temporary traffic signals have been placed at the bridge. These lights will be used for the sole purpose of stopping traffic for northbound emergency response vehicles. All other northbound traffic will be required to use the posted detour (Route 23B east to the Route 9H intersection in the hamlet, then northbound on Route 9H to the Route 66 intersection). If your commute is affected by this closure, please allow extra time to arrive at your destination and remember that the speed limit through the hamlet is 40 mph. If speeding or other erratic driving becomes an issue, we will request increased attention from law enforcement.

ROUTE 9H/23 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT / STONE MILL RD EXT DETOUR
As you probably know, we have been engaged with representatives of New York State Department of Transportation regarding the bridge replacement project on Route 9H/23 at the Claverack/Greenport town line (just south of Hildebrant's Trucking). We have strongly expressed our concerns about limiting the impacts to local property owners in this historically rich area and improving communication with landowners and town government. In response to our push back, contractors and State DOT representatives are looking at the possibility of utilizing a narrower, single lane temporary bridge on Stone Mill Rd Ext. Doing so would ensure safe passage for the motoring public, while mitigating any potential negative impact on the surrounding properties. A second public information meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks to update local residents and government officials. In the meantime, crews will be working to relocate a utility pole near the bridge and other poles on Yates Rd in Greenport. We appreciate everyone's engagement, input, and cooperation on this issue. 

IN OTHER NEWS...
We are presently working on a Local Law to make our “Dog Control Officer” an “Animal Control Officer” to broaden the scope and jurisdiction beyond that of canines. Our present Dog Control Officer, Reggie Conklin, will be working on the classes and training required to make this possible. 
​
The Town will take part in a document shredding program to assist residents with proper destruction and disposition of sensitive documents. This program, sponsored by the County Clerk's Office, will be opened to the public daily during regular business hours. Bins will be at the Town Office Building (91 Church Street, Mellenville) for two weeks beginning on March 14th.  This program is currently expected to be offered quarterly. Additional information will be available at the Town Office and also on the town's website