Route 7 remains closed for repairs
HOOSICK — Emergency construction to repair a culvert that collapsed Friday at the Hoosic River is under way, but all lanes on Route 7 in the town will remain closed through the weekend.
The Department of Transportation and contractors were still working in a “24/7” operation to replace the collapsed culvert as of Saturday afternoon, DOT spokesman Joseph Morrissey said. The plan, he added, was to clear trees and remove the guard rail sometime Saturday to prepare for excavation work to begin Sunday.
“The cause of the occurrence is still under investigation and all lanes will remain closed while we work to safely restore the structure. We appreciate the patience of the traveling public,” Morrissey said.
All lanes between Route 22 and South Street/ Route 95 have been closed due to the incident that was first reported about 9 a.m. Friday. No information has been provided about when roads are expected to open back up.
“Residents and motorists are asked to be patient during the closure, and to please continue to support
businesses in the area,” read a post on the Rensselaer County Facebook page, where updates continue to be posted regarding the road closure.
County Executive Steve McLaughlin said assistance from the state and the county highway crews and bureau of public safety is appreciated, as well as help from Vermont, which has allowed large trucks to be detoured onto their roads and away from county roads that could be damaged by the heavier vehicles.
Detours heading east
Car traffic: Passenger cars will take a right onto Route 22 south, continue for 2.3 miles and take a left on Route 346 East. After ½ mile, take a left onto County Route 95. After ¼ mile, take a left to continue on County Route 95. After 2.7 miles the detour ends back at Route 7.
Truck traffic: Trucks will take a right onto Route 22 south, continue for 2.3 miles and take a left onto Route 346 east
where they will continue for seven miles until they reach Route 7, at which time they will take a left heading North. After 9 miles arrive at Vermont Route 9 in the city of Bennington and the detour ends. Route 9 is the continuation of Route 7.
Detours heading west Car detour:
Passenger cars will take a left onto County Route 95 and after 1.6 miles bear right to continue on County Route 95. After another mile, they will take a right to stay on County Route 95. ¼ mile later, take a right to Route 346 West. After ½ mile, take another right onto US Route 22 North and continue for 2.3 miles until the detour ends back at NY Route 7.
Truck detour:
Trucks will take Route 7 south through Bennington until they reach Vermont Route 346. Take a right onto Route 346 and continue for 7 miles. Then take a right onto Route 22 north and continue for 2.3 miles until the detour ends back at Route 7.