(a) The commissioner may cause to be constructed or reconstructed a sidewalk on any bridge or approaches to any bridge on any state highway when in his opinion public safety so requires. Except as provided in subsection (b), all sidewalks on bridges or approaches to bridges maintained by the commissioner shall be maintained by said commissioner, and such maintenance shall include responsibility for the removal of snow and ice from such sidewalks. As used herein, “approaches” includes the highway adjoining such bridge to the next side road or to a point where access may be attained by the adjoining property owner, whichever distance is less.

(b) In the case of any footpath or sidewalk constructed or reconstructed in accordance with section 2242 of the general statutes, revision of 1949, by agreement between the commissioner and the authorized official or officials of a town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough, which footpath or sidewalk is maintained by the commissioner, the removal of snow and ice therefrom shall be the responsibility of the town, city, borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough.