Bridges over the Mohawk River in Schenectady County Closing Immediately

ALBANY, NY (09/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is closing four bridges over the Mohawk River in Schenectady County immediately.

The bridges include:

· Interstate 890 bridge at Thruway Interchange 26 in Rotterdam Junction.

· Western Gateway Bridge carrying Route 5 between Scotia and Schenectady.

· Freeman's Bridge carrying Route 5 (Freeman's Road) between Scotia and Schenectady.

· Rexford Bridge carrying Route 146 between Schenectady and Clifton Park.

The bridges are being closed to ensure public safety following severe flood damage to the abutments of the bridge carrying Route 103 between Routes 5 and 5S in Rotterdam Junction. Water from the Mohawk River eroded soil supporting the Route 103 bridge abutment, ultimately forming a new water channel between the bridge and Route 5. This new channel could pose a significant safety threat to travelers in this area.

The Route 103 bridge has been closed due to flooding since last week.

For the most up-to-date traffic conditions call 511 or visit www.511NY.org.

###