Tammy Schack, the owner and operator of the Bridgeview One-Stop at 4910 Main St., Bemus Point, is pictured speaking to a Bemus Point Village Board meeting in May about the impact the I-86 Bridge repairs and construction work have had on her business. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

BEMUS POINT – Complaints by Bemus Point business owners about a decrease in business tied to rehabilitation of the Interstate 86 bridges over Chautauqua Lake have not fallen on deaf ears.

The state Transportation Department said Friday that it will install a temporary exit ramp for eastbound traffic on I-86 to allow access to the central business district in Bemus Point. Drivers have had to go around to Exit 10 with the closure of Exit 9.

“We are also aware of the disruptions this project has caused for local residents,” DOT officials said in a news release Friday. “That’s why we are pleased to report that NYSDOT is working to restore access to the Village of Bemus Point’s central business district via a temporary exit ramp on Interstate 86 eastbound. The temporary ramp is currently under construction and expected to open in the coming weeks. The temporary ramp will remain open for the duration of the project, which is now expected to be completed in late 2027.”

In March, Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar said he was setting up a meeting with himself, DOT officials and Larry Andersen, Ellery town supervisor, after several Bemus Point businesses said they felt bridge reconstruction work was hurting their businesses – in large part due to the closure of Exit 9.

“Several local businesses feel that the construction on the bridge is hurting their businesses. They’re reporting a downturn in sales, and they believe that the exit closure off the bridge isn’t helping their case either,” Molnar said in March.

Tammy Shack, owner of the Bridgeview One-Stop, which is one of the closest businesses to the closed exit ramp, told Bemus Point Village Board members in May that in January, her business reported a loss of around $45,000 in sales revenue with profits coming in at less than profits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Every year, year after year, my business has been growing,” she told board members. “Since the construction of the bridge, the exact opposite has happened. Who’s going to look out for the small business owners, she asked? My business won’t survive the next two years.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel added, “I want to thank the New York State Department of Transportation for listening to the concerns of Chautauqua County residents and taking action to restore access to the Village of Bemus Point during the I-86 bridge rehabilitation project. The construction of a temporary eastbound exit ramp is a welcome development that will help ease the burden on local businesses, residents, and visitors who rely on this key connection.”

Furthermore, Wendel explained that Bemus Point is a vibrant hub of tourism, culture, and commerce, especially during the summer season. This temporary ramp will help sustain the community’s economy and ensure that people can continue to enjoy all the village has to offer while the critical infrastructure work continues.

“I appreciate NYSDOT’s commitment to keeping our region informed and engaged throughout this long-term project, and I look forward to continued collaboration to strengthen transportation access and support growth across Chautauqua County,” said Wendel.

Bemus Point Mayor Jeff Molnar said, “This is certainly great news for our residents, business owners, and for our visitors to the Village of Bemus Point and the Town of Ellery. As you may recall, we were told by the NYS DOT that the addition of a workable temporary Exit 9 was not possible, nor would it be done. I firmly believe that public input provided by the Town of Ellery, the Village of Bemus Point, the Bemus Point Business Association, and the tireless efforts of Tammy Schack of Bridgeview Onestop, tipped the scales. We are appreciative of the efforts of Senator George Borrello’s and Andrew Molitor’s office, our County Executive PJ Wendel, and Brett Remick of the NYS DOT as well. Village of Bemus Point and the Town of Ellery businesses depend on easy access for motorists from I-86 year-round, but especially during our tourist season, for their livelihood. This is a great step towards keeping our community viable and healthy, as well as contributing to immediate egress from I-86 for emergency vehicles.”

The $78 million bridge reconstruction project began in March 2024 and will reconstruct the 4,000-foot main bridge that was completed in 1982 as well as the two 500-foot-long bridge structures that split off on the eastern end of the main bridge. The fourth bridge structure that carries the westbound Southern Tier Expressway ramps to Route 430 will also be resurfaced and receive new bridge joints. Additionally, Work on the project will progress over four construction seasons, with initial work focusing on the creation of crossover lanes to move traffic during future project phases. One lane of traffic in each direction of I-86 will be maintained throughout the bulk of the project, however, motorists should be prepared for some overnight closures of the highway in 2024 and 2025 to facilitate the pouring of the new bridge decks.