DOT closes part of Route 98 in Barre-Elba for emergency culvert replacement

BARRE – The state Department of Transportation has closed a section of Route 98 between Gillette Road in Barre and Ridge Road in Elba for an emergency culvert replacement.

The closure is expected to last several weeks, the Orleans County Emergency Management Office said.

DOT staff were out just before 3 p.m. to put up signs and barriers, shutting down a section of Route 98. The DOT has suggested a detour on Route 31A, Rt. 237 or to Rt. 262.

Here is a press release issued by the state DOT this afternoon:

The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists that a portion of State Route 98 between Gillette Road in the Town of Barre, Orleans County, and Ridge Road in the Town of Elba, Genesee County, has been closed to traffic after a recent inspection revealed deficiencies in a culvert beneath the roadway.

NYSDOT is working to address the matter and will keep the public apprised of further developments.

Motorists should follow the posted detour utilizing State Route 262, State Route 237 and State Route 31A. Variable message signboards have been positioned to alert motorists ahead of the closure. NYSDOT will keep the public apprised regarding the reopening of the road.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes as necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.