Main Street Bridge faces another unexpected delay just days before the Brockport Arts Festival begins

Brockport, New York – The much-anticipated reopening of the Main Street Bridge has hit yet another wall, leaving residents, businesses, and organizers of the upcoming Brockport Arts Festival scrambling to adapt — again.

Despite repeated assurances that the bridge would reopen this week, that promise has now been walked back with a vague new projection of completion “by the end of the month.” This unexpected turn of events has left the Village of Brockport frustrated and demanding answers from the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT), which has yet to provide a clear explanation for the delay.

“We must confirm that the bridge will not be opening as planned,” wrote Mayor Ben Reed in an official statement. “This is a significant setback, especially since we were told it would be open this week. The new date provided, ‘by the end of the month,’ offers little reassurance. Frankly, we won’t be holding our breath, as previous timelines have not been met.”

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The mayor’s frustration mirrors that of many in the community. After several broken deadlines and little to no communication from the DOT, speculation is swirling. Among the circulating rumors is a technical malfunction preventing the bridge from fully lowering — but no formal acknowledgment of the issue has come from state officials.

“The Village of Brockport has been in contact with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) for answers,” Reed continued. “Despite our requests for details, DOT representatives have not been forthcoming regarding the cause of this latest delay. We are hearing rumors about technical issues, including the bridge not fully lowering, but we’ve received no official confirmation from the DOT. We are as frustrated as you are by this lack of transparency.”

The prolonged closure couldn’t have come at a worse time. With the Brockport Arts Festival set to take place this weekend, the unexpected inaccessibility of the bridge has forced a full-scale reconfiguration of the event. Festival planners had no choice but to relocate all activities — including vendor booths, live music, and the annual car show — to the south side of the Erie Canal.

“This delay directly impacts our Brockport Arts Festival this weekend. The bridge closure created major logistical challenges,” said Reed. “However, I want to commend the Arts Festival Committee for their swift action and hard work. They’ve quickly reorganized, moving all booths, the music stage, and the car show to the south side of the canal, ensuring the festival’s success. Thank you for your quick ‘pivot’ and dedication.”

To push for answers and accountability, the Village is now working alongside a trio of elected officials. Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith, State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, and State Senator Robert Ortt’s office have all been enlisted to pressure the DOT for transparency and action.

“We are working with these elected officials to bring pressure to bear on the DOT and secure the information and action our community needs,” Reed affirmed.

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The bridge has long been a central artery for both everyday traffic and special events in Brockport. Its extended closure continues to create detours, delay commutes, and choke local commerce. For downtown businesses, many of which rely on foot traffic during festival weekends, the uncertainty adds insult to injury.

“The DOT’s lack of transparency is unacceptable. Our community deserves clear, accurate, and timely information to better address the impact of this prolonged closure,” Reed said. “Please continue to support our downtown businesses during this challenging time.”

As the situation develops, Mayor Reed pledged to share any verified updates with the public and to continue pressing for the answers Brockport residents have long awaited.

“The Village Board and my office will keep demanding accountability. We will share any verified information as soon as we receive it,” he said. “Thank you for your patience and resilience.”