The state Department of Transportation’s plans to fix the Route 37 Bridge over Route 812 in the town of Oswegatchie have been put on hold.

“The postponement is due to funding priorities and the necessity to stretch program dollars as far as possible,” DOT spokesman Michael R. Flick said Friday.

Construction costs are estimated at $975,000. The project was aimed at giving the span 20 more years of life by replacing the bridge deck and conducting minor structural repairs.

“Programs are often times fluid and projects can wander on and off the schedule for a variety of reasons,” said Mr. Flick. “It’s not uncommon for a project on the far end of the program to be postponed so as to focus on projects that require more immediate attention.”

Mr. Flick said there is no definite date for when the project will resume.

“The bridge will remain in service, and, like all bridges, it will be and has been inspected periodically to ensure that it is safe and passable.”

All state bridges are required to be inspected at two years minimum, according to DOT regulations.

“If we feel a bridge needs to be monitored more closely, we may inspect in annually.”

DOT crews are currently repairing roads on Route 37 over the bridge. Temporary signals allowing access to the substructures are in place for daytime traffic.

According to Mr. Flick, crews started Thursday and are expected to complete the project Wednesday, weather permitting.

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