Business owners demand answers from Nassau County about when Bayville Bridge will reopen

The bridge has been closed since mid-February and Bayville business owners say people are not making the longer trip to shop at their stores.

Thema Ponton

Apr 12, 2023, 2:30 AM

Updated 624 days ago

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Business owners are fed up with the ongoing repairs on the Bayville Bridge.
The bridge, which was built in 1939, is one of just two ways to drive into the North Shore village. The only other option is a detour that can extend the drive by over 20 minutes.
Mary-Jean Hunt, who owns Over the Bridge, says she has been trying to get a straight answer from Nassau County officials about when the Bayville Bridge will reopen to traffic.
"My business is probably down around 30%," Hunt says.
The bridge has been closed since mid-February and Bayville business owners say people are not making the longer trip to shop at their stores.
Michael Hancock, who owns the Bayville Pharmacy, says it is not just his business that has slowed down.
"We've cut hours, employee hours, which I hate doing, but we had to," Hancock says.
The business owners say with the tourist season approaching, they are worried that if the bridge doesn't open soon, they are not going to see their profits pick up.
News 12 called the county for an exact date for the bridge's reopening. The county spokesperson sent a letter posted on the village's website that says the bridge is slated to open in mid- to late April.