CROWN POINT — More than 50 people showed up Sunday for a rally protesting the hardship caused by the closing of the Champlain Bridge.

Workers and business owners affected by the closure gathered at the entrance to the bridge connecting Crown Point and Chimney Point, Vt.

Some carried protest signs as they listened to the Rev. David Hirtle of the First Congregational Church of Crown Point talk about the impact of shutting down the 1929 span on Oct. 16.

“What we’re doing here is not disobedience,” Hirtle said. “If we can look at diversity and see opportunity, there is a chance of success.“

He said the closure of the bridge after cracks were found in concrete support pillars has had a tremendous impact on those who use the bridge to get to and from work.

“It has affected us adversely. But this is a moment of opportunity God has given every one of us. We as a community can link arms and move ahead.”

Moriah Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava said a public information forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Moriah Central School may provide some answers.

“They’re going to redo the piers on the bridge. They’re going to get it back so it can be open.”

Crown Point Supervisor Dale French said he was told Gov. David Paterson is planning to attend Wednesday’s meeting in Moriah to make the announcement.

“I think it may be good news (from the governor). I hope it will be good news.”

Since then, ferries around the bridge have expanded their hours, but most people say they can’t afford the cost of taking a ferry every day.

Scozzafava said state officials are working on getting a temporary ferry set up at the Champlain Bridge itself.

A great deal of anger is being directed at the Department of Transportation, he said, and Paterson has called for an investigation into why the bridge was allowed to deteriorate to the critical stage.

“I know we’re very upset. The immediate problem is we need to find a way to get people back and forth across this lake.”

Bridge engineering firm HNTB of New York City is reported recommending encapsulation of the existing piers with new concrete, although the process would take a month or two to complete.