PLYMOUTH — On June 29, State Route 23 in Plymouth will be closed west of Ashcraft Road for urgent culvert repair. Detour signs will be placed along the route during the estimated six week project.

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) originally decided to close 23 completely and detour to alternative routes to minimize costs until the project was complete. While the detour can be for several miles with alternate local routes available. After feedback under a new plan the road will be open as soon as possible as work continues.

The DOT stated the deterioration of a culvert pipe was so bad, the date for repair had to be moved from 2029 to this year.

Last month, Town of Plymouth Supervisor Timothy Manwarren received the letter from NYSDOT, stating the need for the road closure and urgency of the project.

His concerns led him to send letters to NYSDOT and county and state officials, explaining the closure would cause a great disruption to daily life, local commerce, public safety and emergency situations.

Manwarren suggested instead of a complete closure, one lane with an alternating signal may be a better option.

His additional concerns were with tractor trailers using County Road 10 and 10A, coming down those steep grades over West Hill, right into Norwich and noted the town roads would take a beating.