LIBERTY — The derelict footbridge in Swan Lake has been under the watchful eye of the Liberty Town Board for quite a while, with one of the main concerns with the footbridge is its safety liability hazard. Although caution tape and barriers have barred pedestrian traffic, the bridge has a history of high usage due to it sitting on the corner of State Route 55 and Briscoe Road.

Progress on securing the bridge was made as the town’s title search, initiated last summer, resulted in finding the identity of the owner of the lake and the structure. With the structure still in its beaten down state and summer fast approaching, town leadership is anxious for action.

“The main goal is to make the bridge safe,” Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo said.

On May 5 at their Town Board meeting, DeMayo noted the town has successfully made contact with the owner. With that information in-hand, the Supervisor said that in addition to making the bridge safe, he wants to ensure the town’s easement on the footbridge remains, as the town’s sewer line runs directly underneath the structure. 

“We want to have a discussion with [the owner], but in the meantime with the summer season coming up, we have got to do something to secure the bridge and close it off or have it repaired,” DeMayo said.

It was of the opinion of Town Board member Vince McPhillips that to fix the footbridge “would be a great expense.”

“I have been working over there for the last year on a project, and I have taken pictures of the bridge and it keeps getting worse. My suggestion? If you remove it, no one can stand on it…then it is not a liability anymore.”

While communication between the town and the owner on how to move forward are expected to continue, the Supervisor noted that the bridge needs more substantial blockage right now – however there are no concrete plans to install sturdier, more definitive ways to stop foot traffic completely.  

As part of those upcoming discussions, DeMayo invited a number of Swan Lake residents with a history of beautification and maintenance of the footbridge to lend their thoughts and ideas.

In the meanwhile, the town encourages no pedestrian attempt to cross or stand on the bridge while it remains in its current condition.