New York Consolidated Laws, Highway Law - HAY § 255. Unsafe toll bridge

Whenever complaint in writing on oath, shall be made to the town superintendent, of any town in which shall be in whole or in part any toll bridge belonging to any person or corporation, representing that such toll bridge has from any cause become and is unsafe for the public use, such town superintendent shall forthwith make a careful and thorough examination of such toll bridge, and if upon the examination thereof he shall be of the opinion that the same has from any cause become dangerous or unsafe for public use, he shall thereupon give immediate notice to the owners of such toll bridge, or to any agent of such owners, acting as such agent in respect to such bridge, that he has, on complaint made, carefully and thoroughly examined the bridge, and found it to be unsafe for public use.  Such owners shall thereupon immediately commence repairing the same, and cause such repairs to be made within one week from the day of such notice given, or such reasonable time thereafter as may be necessary to thoroughly repair the bridge, so as to make it in all respects safe and convenient for public use.  For neglect to take prompt and effective measures so to repair the bridge, its owners shall forfeit twenty-five dollars, and shall not demand or receive any toll for using the bridge until the same shall be fully repaired.  The town superintendent shall cause such repairs to be made and the owners of the bridge shall be liable for the expense thereof, and for the services of the superintendent, and upon the neglect or refusal to pay the same upon presentation of an account therefor, the town superintendent may recover the same by action, in the name of the town.