The New York State Department of Transportation is proposing a roughly 27-mile detour during a bridge replacement project on Route 23 in the Hamlet of South New Berlin. (Photo from Google)

NEW BERLIN – Drivers traveling through the Hamlet of South New Berlin are facing the possibility of a 27-mile detour while the state DOT replaces a bridge that carries State Route 23 over the Unadilla River.

The state’s plan to re-route traffic would cause a huge disruption in travel times for commuters, transport, and emergency vehicle, according to local officials.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) reached out to local officials in June, stating that their initial plan to place a temporary one-lane bridge on site for traffic during construction has been hampered by soil conditions and exuberant costs, forcing the department to change course.

“Upon further examination of the site soil conditions, it was determined that providing a temporary bridge for an on-site detour would increase project costs by over one million dollars,” said NYSOT Regional Planning and Program Manager Andrew Stiles.

NYSDOT is now proposing a detour south on State Route 8 to the intersection of State Route 23 and 51 in Mount Upton. The proposed detour is roughly 27 miles.

NYSODT said local roads are anticipated to remain open, and local travelers may use shorter detours. A route for pedestrians and bicyclists is still in the works.

In spite of the inconvenience and added expense of a detour for commuters, South New Berlin Fire Chief Kevin Christian says he’s concerned that his department’s response time is at risk.

“It’s going to affect our response time tremendously because we’ll have to look for mutual aid to departments outside and inside the county,” said Christian. “There’s nothing we can do about it. It’s something that’s going to be up to the people.”

Christian shared the NYSDOT letter on the South New Berlin Facebook page, garnering responses from local residents who say the state’s proposal puts a price on their safety.

Christian said he’s currently awaiting a time to sit down with state officials to discuss his concerns.

NYSDOT stated that while bridge work will begin in 2024, the closure wouldn’t take effect until the 2025 construction season.

NYSDOT is soliciting comments and concerns about fully closing the bridge and detouring traffic off site. Questions and concerns can be sent to the new job manager, Lonni Rawson, L.A., by mail at Region 9 Design, 44 Hawley St., Binghamton, NY 13901; by telephone at (607) 772-7333; or via email at Lonni.Rawson@dot.ny.gov.

It is requested that all concerns be submitted by Thursday, July 6.