Travelers heading through Pavilion in Genesee County will have to add time to their commute if they typically ride over the bridge at Oatka Creek.

Traffic is being detoured in both directions to use Route 19 and 63.

Work has begun on U.S. Route 20 to improve the existing bridge and make it more resistant to flooding, corrosion and erosion. The existing steel truss is being replaced with a modern steel multi-girder superstructure, featuring a concrete deck, 12-foot-wide travel lanes and seven-foot-wide shoulders to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Multi-girder bridges have more redundant elements than truss bridges, which makes them more resilient. In addition, the renovated bridge will have more rip rap shoring up its base, providing additional strength by preventing erosion. The new bridge pavement will also include joint-less approaches, which will help reduce bridge corrosion.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the improvements will benefit the community well into the future.

“This renovated bridge will be a safe, dependable, crossing for decades to come, serving as an important link for travelers and commerce continuing to move the Finger Lakes forward," Dominguez added.

As always, the NYSDOT reminds motorists to slow down and safely move over when approaching roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.