NY S00695

Removes discretionary language requiring the commissioner of transportation to maintain bridges only "if in the opinion of the commissioner of transportation, the public convenience requires such bridges to be maintained where no alternate crossing has been provided"

Replaces discretionary standard with mandatory requirement that all highway and pedestrian bridges over the canal system be maintained "in a manner so as not to impede commercial motor vehicles as defined in subdivision four-a of section two of the transportation law"

Requires the commissioner of transportation to conduct at least one public hearing in affected communities before closing or removing any bridge over the canal system

Preserves existing provisions allowing the commissioner to reconstruct, improve, or relocate bridges upon municipal request, subject to written agreements transferring maintenance responsibility to municipalities