Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces the long awaited reopening of the Gillett Road Bridge in Ogden after nearly two years of closure

Monroe County, New York – For nearly two years, drivers in Ogden and surrounding communities were forced to navigate long detours, endure traffic bottlenecks, and worry about slowed emergency responses after the sudden shutdown of the Gillett Road Bridge. That disruption came to an end this week, when Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced the long-awaited reopening of the crossing, declaring it fully repaired, inspected, and safe for public use.

The bridge, which stretches over the CSX railroad, was abruptly closed in December 2023 by the New York State Department of Transportation after inspections revealed severe structural deterioration. The closure did more than inconvenience local commuters—it raised alarms for police, fire, and emergency medical teams who depend on the bridge as a critical connection for rapid response.

Standing before local officials and community members, Bello emphasized that the reopening marked both a practical solution and a symbolic moment for the area. “After nearly two years of frustration and delays, I am proud to announce that the Gillett Road Bridge is finally open, safe, and ready for drivers,” said County Executive Bello. “This project is a testament to what happens when government leaders and residents work together and refuse to let corporate inaction endanger our community.”

Advocacy Turned Into Action

The path to restoring the bridge was anything but straightforward. For months following the closure, residents and local leaders pressed CSX—the company responsible for the rail line beneath the bridge—to take accountability for the failing infrastructure. When progress lagged, county attorneys escalated the matter by sending a formal demand letter, warning that CSX would face legal action if the structure was not repaired or replaced.

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That legal maneuver, paired with consistent pressure from Congressman Joe Morelle, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale, and County Legislator Bob Colby, ultimately forced the issue forward. What began as frustration from local drivers and first responders gradually transformed into a multi-level campaign, drawing attention from Washington to Albany and back home in Monroe County.

“This is yet another example of government working together to solve people’s problems, and I’m glad our neighbors in Ogden are finally getting the basic connection they need,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have brought together County Executive Bello, Senator Schumer, Supervisor Zale, and countless other local leaders to address this issue. After years of advocacy, the people of Ogden finally have what they deserve.”

Federal Support Helped Move the Needle

Senator Schumer also underscored the importance of persistent advocacy in bringing the project to completion. “I am glad CSX has now heeded the call I made when I stood at the Gillette Road Bridge shoulder-to shoulder with local officials, residents and first responders to push CSX to uphold its obligations to fix this vital thoroughfare in the Town of Ogden. The re-opened bridge removes onerous delays and detours so local Monroe County residents can now safely and efficiently commute for work, shopping, or school – and first responders can quickly respond to emergencies. I was proud to stand with Congressman Joe Morelle, County Executive Adam Bello, Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale, and Legislator Colby to restore this critical crossing for the Greater Rochester community.”

Local Leaders Credit Residents

While federal and county leaders were pivotal in the negotiations, Ogden officials pointed out that it was the persistence of everyday residents and first responders that ultimately tipped the scales. Town Supervisor Mike Zale noted the significance of community voices, recalling a rally earlier this year where residents gathered simply to ask CSX to “Be a Good Neighbor.”

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to County Executive Adam Bello, his staff, Legislator Colby, and the Ogden Town Board for their advocacy and support in seeing this project through. I also want to thank Winn Construction and our Highway Superintendent Doug Case for their hard work in keeping the repairs on track. Most importantly, I am grateful to the residents and first responders who stood with us on June 3rd to simply ask CSX to ‘Be a Good Neighbor’.

Their voices made the difference. It’s official—what was once a roadblock is now a milestone. And we are thrilled to have had a hand in providing it to our residents,” Zale said.

County Legislator Robert Colby echoed the sentiment, highlighting the human side of the disruption. “The reopening of the Gillett Road Bridge is a long overdue victory for the people of Ogden and Spencerport,” Colby stated. “This bridge is a vital connection for our families, commuters, and first responders. After nearly two years of unnecessary closure, we can finally celebrate its return. Today is a true win for our community that restores safer, faster travel and peace of mind for everyone who relies on this roadway.”

From Delay to Milestone

Once CSX agreed to move forward, the company contracted Winn Construction Corporation to carry out the work. Over the past several months, construction crews reinforced the bridge, restored the driving surface, and ensured the structure could withstand long-term use. The finished project passed inspections from both the New York State Department of Transportation and the Monroe County Department of Transportation, officially clearing the way for its reopening.

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With the barriers now removed and traffic once again flowing, residents in Ogden and Spencerport can reclaim the routine that was interrupted nearly two years ago. The bridge is more than just a shortcut—it is a vital link for commuters heading to work, parents transporting children to school, and emergency vehicles racing to calls where every second matters.

What had been a symbol of delay and frustration has now become a reminder of what can happen when persistence pays off. After months of uncertainty, negotiations, and construction, the Gillett Road Bridge is once again open to all traffic, carrying with it a sense of relief and renewed confidence in the power of collective action.