Steele Creek has overflowed its banks at the bridge multiple times.
In January of 2018, an ice jam caused the water from the creek to spill over and send water and ice chunks into nearby backyards and down village streets, although that incident caused no major damage. That was not always the case. In the June 2013 flood, the bridge itself was damaged when the head wall was blown out into the road. It was later repaired.
DOT will have to obtain right-of-way from the owners of six properties along Otsego Street, most to provide access as needed to replace the Route 51 bridge, according to Jim Piccola, public information officer for DOT.