On June 29, State Route 23 in Plymouth will be closed west of Ashcraft Road for urgent culvert repair. Detour signs will be placed along the route during the probable six week project. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

PLYMOUTH — On June 29, State Route 23 in Plymouth will be closed west of Ashcraft Road for urgent culvert repair. Detour signs will be placed along the route during the estimated six week project.

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) originally decided to close 23 completely and detour to alternative routes to minimize costs until the project was complete. While the detour can be for several miles with alternate local routes available. After feedback under a new plan the road will be open as soon as possible as work continues.

The DOT stated the deterioration of a culvert pipe was so bad, the date for repair had to be moved from 2029 to this year.

Last month, Town of Plymouth Supervisor Timothy Manwarren received the letter from NYSDOT, stating the need for the road closure and urgency of the project.

His concerns led him to send letters to NYSDOT and county and state officials, explaining the closure would cause a great disruption to daily life, local commerce, public safety and emergency situations.

Manwarren suggested instead of a complete closure, one lane with an alternating signal may be a better option.

His additional concerns were with tractor trailers using County Road 10 and 10A, coming down those steep grades over West Hill, right into Norwich and noted the town roads would take a beating.

This week, Manwarren heard back from the Regional Director of NYSDOT in support of the community.

“Kudos to NYSDOT, after hearing our concerns, they are making adjustments to the project, hoping to expedite the timeline and making every effort to complete this project with the least amount of disruption to our area residents,” said Manwarren.

He said a second contractor will be brought in to assist the work and once the project progresses, they are looking to install a single lane, alternating signal, to re-open half of the road.

Manwarren, who is new to his supervisor position, immediately took matters into his own hands and sent letters to

Senator Griffo, Assemblyman Joe Angelino, and the engineer in charge of the project, Kevin Gollogly, stating he strongly opposed the 32-mile detour.

He also sent the road closure notification to all board members and the Chairman of the Board, Jeffrey Blanchard, hearing back that there isn’t much they can do as it’s up to the state.

NYSDOT Public Information Specialist Anya Kardos said the project is currently scheduled for up to six weeks but they will work efficiently, adding an additional contractor and once the project is at a certain point, they will hope to re-open one lane, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Kardos said they have been working in close coordination with local officials, school districts, emergency responders and other stakeholders and will continue public engagement throughout the culvert replacement project.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we undertake this important highway safety project,” said Kardos.