SerpApi.Org
TOWN OF LYME, New York (WWNY) - Emergency maintenance on two rural roads in the town of Lyme will be paid for by local governments, with no reimbursement from the state, officials said.
Burnt Rock Road and Swamp Road have seen increased traffic over the past two months as a nearby bridge over Shaver Creek on Route 12E is replaced.
In April, the state directed drivers to take Routes 12 and 180 to bypass the construction, but many drivers began using the shorter rural roads instead, putting more traffic on them than they could handle.
The Town of Lyme Highway Department and Jefferson County Highway Department responded with emergency maintenance, adding 9 miles of shoulders across the two roads to widen them.
Costs fall to local governments
Jefferson County Highway Superintendent Ryan Piche said the county’s share of the work came in under $10,000.
“We’re in it for a couple days’ labor and some equipment, so it’s under $10,000 for us,” Piche said.
Piche said the decision to act was straightforward.
“The folks that live in that part of the county have been dealing with this detour and it really has been disruptive to their daily lives,” he said. “If we can step up, provide a couple days labor and equipment to try to help folks through the rest of the summer, it really is the logical thing to do.”
Piche confirmed the state will not reimburse either government for the work.
“Right now it’s a state project that needs a little extra support, and we’re happy to do so,” he said.
Shared services agreement covers costs
The town’s share of equipment and labor costs falls under a shared services agreement between Jefferson County and its local municipalities. Jefferson County General Services Committee Chair Jim Nabywaniec said the arrangement benefits taxpayers.
“It’s a good relationship really for the benefit of the taxpayers. The taxpayers benefit from the shared services agreement, which is important,” Nabywaniec said.
Town of Lyme Supervisor Mark Zegarelli said the exact cost to the town has not yet been determined. The figure is expected to be discussed at the August board meeting.
