Burlington, News

Rochester officials anxious for bridge completion

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

For Village of Rochester Clerk-Treasurer Betty Novy, the closure of the bridge over the Fox River in Rochester hasn’t produced too many headaches.

But like everyone else in the community, she can’t wait for the project to be done.

“Everyone is just looking forward to the day it will open again,” Novy said.

The replacement of the bridge on Highway D is reportedly ahead of schedule as traffic is currently rerouted through Waterford or on Highway W.

Village Trustee Chris Bennett said the majority of businesses haven’t voiced many complaints, though the Rochester Mini Mart has suffered some, as has Chance’s restaurants.

“I think everyone thinks it’s an inconvenience,” explained Bennett, who added that there are concerns about the Memorial Day parade and ceremony as well. “It’s made getting in and out of Rochester problematic.”

The village worked, Bennett said, to place signs on Highway 36 directing people to businesses, but there are limits.

“They’re awfully finicky about what you can put on state highways,” Bennett said.

And the bridge replacement is just the beginning of construction woes in the area. One of the main connector routes between Rochester and Waterford, North River Road, is currently going out to bid and scheduled for reconstruction this summer.

“That’s going to be a major project, too,” Bennett said.

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