Governor Kathy Hochul announced yesterday the completion of construction of the U.S. Route 6 Bridge in Putnam County, and the state Route 209 Bridge over Fantine Kill in Ulster County. Combined, the project's cost approximately $15 million
"As we build back our infrastructure, it is important that we prioritize and emphasize community needs and connectivity in the Hudson Valley and all across New York State," Governor Hochul said. "We are committed to transformative projects like these that bring communities closer together and promote safety, access and economic growth."
"The completion of these two bridge replacements will be a major win for the Hudson Valley, linking these communities with others across the region," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Repairing our outdated infrastructure, like our bridges and roads, is crucial to ensuring that our small towns all across New York State can thrive and grow."
The U.S. Route 6 bridge project enhances safety and improves travel conditions on a heavily traveled roadway which serves as a gateway to Brewster and its rail station. The new bridge was constructed 75 feet to the south of the existing structure, creating a direct intersection with Michael Neuner Drive and fulfilling a goal of the Village's master plan to improve downtown access and provide better connectivity to Brewster's western neighborhoods.
The State Route 209 Bridge project replaced a nearly 50-year-old structure with a new, 43-foot, steel-girder span with a reinforced concrete deck that enhances safety and increases mobility along a vital connector that links Ellenville to nearby shopping centers as well as the Ellenville Regional Hospital. This project also employed sustainable engineering practices to help safeguard the environment.
The U.S. Route 6 Bridge project began in the fall of 2019, and the State Route 209 Bridge project began a few months later in the spring of 2020.
The improvements made to the U.S. Route 6 Bridge include wider shoulders, pedestrian walkways with protective fencing on both sides, and the three-span bridge was replaced with a modern, single-span, steel girder bridge with a concrete deck that reduces maintenance costs.
As an added benefit and to keep with the aesthetics of the community, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) landscape architects implemented a plan for new landscaping, which included approximately 75 trees and 250 shrubs. Additionally, historical stone pillars within the project area were raised to accommodate the new elevation of the adjacent roadway. New traffic signals and crosswalks were installed at the intersection of Route 6 and Michael Neuner Drive. A new drainage system was constructed project-wide, including the installation of a new flow control structure and a new stormwater treatment system to help safeguard the environment. Underground utility work included the installation of water, sewer, gas, and communication lines across the new bridge, as well as the replacement of existing underground utility connections adjacent to the bridge.
The State Route 209 Bridge now features wider sidewalks for pedestrians and a new turning lane on State Route 209 to better accommodate traffic headed to nearby intersecting streets, including Aluminum Drive, Washington Avenue and Ellenridge Parkway. A camera-actuated traffic signal was also installed at Aluminum Drive and upgrades were made to the signals at Washington Avenue. Additionally, Ellenridge Parkway now has an exclusive left turn lane for easier mobility.
NYSDOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Governor Hochul understands that the well-being of our communities is linked to the strength and reliability of our transportation infrastructure. These projects enhance safety and connectivity and help sustain uninterrupted travel along vital corridors in Ellenville and Brewster. As part of our commitment to the Village of Brewster, we made accommodations in August 2021 for the Brewster Fire Department's 150thAnniversary parade, by safely making access for the parade route through the project area."
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Source: New York Governor Press Release
