Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces that long-overdue repairs will begin on Ogden’s Gillett Road bridge after 18-month closure

Ogden, New York – After nearly a year and a half of frustration, detours, and community outcry, long-awaited repairs to the Gillett Road Bridge in the Town of Ogden are finally underway. Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced on Monday that CSX, the freight rail company responsible for the bridge, has agreed to begin the much-needed restoration work.

The bridge, which has been out of service for over 18 months, was shuttered by the New York State Department of Transportation due to serious safety concerns. Since then, the closure has strained traffic flow, delayed emergency responders, and disrupted the daily routines of local residents and businesses.

County officials say they exhausted numerous avenues trying to push CSX to act. But it wasn’t until Monroe County issued a formal legal demand on June 5 that the railroad company finally committed to repairs.

Read also: Greece Town Court to unveil commemorative plaque during special ceremony honoring local civic service

“Over the last 18 months, I’ve heard from countless residents about the negative impacts the Gillett Road bridge closure is having on their daily lives. After many good-faith attempts to get CSX to resolve the issues with the bridge, my administration recently took the necessary step of submitting a formal demand to compel the railroad company to immediately repair or replace the bridge. This situation simply could not continue any longer,” said County Executive Bello. “I am pleased with this resolution and appreciate the joint advocacy of our government partners, Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale, County Legislator Bob Colby, Congressman Joe Morelle, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to make it happen.”

The standoff between CSX and local leaders had dragged on for months, with growing concern over the safety implications of the bridge’s prolonged closure. Town officials, emergency services, and community members repeatedly voiced their fears that the lack of action could lead to tragedy.

With CSX now committing to the project, local leaders are calling the development a major step forward for public safety.

“Just weeks ago, local public safety leaders and I sent a letter to CSX President Hinrichs outlining the safety risks of the prolonged closure, and we’re proud to see that our voices have been heard,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “CSX’s agreement to finally address the Gillett Road Bridge is a major win for our residents and for public safety. This outcome is the result of persistent advocacy and collaboration at every level, and we’re grateful to see real movement toward a long-overdue solution. Restoring this vital connection will improve emergency response times and bring long-awaited relief to families and commuters in our community.”

Residents have long complained about the added travel time and the inconvenience caused by detours around the closed bridge. More importantly, first responders have faced critical delays in reaching emergencies in certain areas — a risk that officials say can’t be taken lightly.

Read also: RIT takes major step forward in reaccreditation journey as key milestones are achieved this spring

Legislator Robert Colby echoed those concerns. “After more than 500 days of delays and detours, CSX is finally stepping up to do what they should have done from day one – take responsibility for the bridge, its outage, and the repairs,” he said. “The bridge is a vital connection for Ogden families, emergency services, and local businesses. I’m proud of our community for never letting up and demanding action – we’re finally on the road to getting this fixed, and I look forward to seeing it finished.”

The decision to proceed with repairs came after sustained pressure not just from local leaders but also from state and federal representatives. Congressman Joe Morelle and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer both advocated for a swift resolution.

“For too long, the closure of the Gillett Road Bridge has disrupted daily life and endangered public safety in the Ogden community,” said Congressman Morelle. “I’m proud to have joined with County Executive Bello, Senator Schumer, Supervisor Zale, and all our local leaders to hold CSX accountable and push for this long-overdue repair, and I’m grateful CSX is taking action to restore this essential connection for our neighbors.”

Schumer, who visited the bridge site last year, was also firm in his demands that CSX take responsibility and act.

“Gillett Road Bridge is a critical passageway for the Greater Rochester community, and I’m grateful CSX has heeded my calls and will pave the way to reopen this vital Monroe County corridor. Reopening this bridge is key to making sure families can head to town, commuters can get to work, kids can get to school, and first responders can quickly reach their destinations,” said Senator Schumer. “I stood at the bridge last year and called on CSX to reopen this bridge because I know how important it is for the local community. I was proud to stand with Congressman Morelle, County Executive Adam Bello, and Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale to hold CSX to its obligations to fix this vital crossing for Monroe County and look forward to CSX beginning repairs as soon as this week and reopening this corridor.”

Repair work officially began on June 24. CSX has hired Winn Construction Corporation to handle the project, which is expected to bring the bridge up to code under NYSDOT standards. The entire process is estimated to take six to eight weeks, meaning the bridge could be back in service by late summer.

While the road to this resolution was long and filled with bureaucratic obstacles, the eventual breakthrough has brought a sense of relief to the Ogden community. The repair marks not only a restoration of critical infrastructure but also a reminder of how persistent advocacy — from residents to representatives — can lead to real change.

In the weeks ahead, crews will work steadily to reinforce and restore the bridge structure, with updates expected from the county as construction progresses. Until then, local leaders are urging continued patience and expressing confidence that, this time, the bridge will soon be open for good.