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The bridge was flagged and closed to vehicular traffic in June of last year when members of the state Department of Transportation deemed it a hazard during an emergency inspection.
According to Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, the village first learned about the gradual deterioration of the bridge two years prior to its closing, but debate over who should foot the bill forced action to be delayed until recently.
Last week, village officials signed agreements with Yonkers and Eastchester officials to formally secure financing for repairs, which are estimated to cost upwards of $200,000. Under that agreement, Yonkers will contribute $30,000, with the remaining costs being split between Bronxville and Eastchester, approximately $75,000 each.
Marvin noted that the village’s contribution to repairs does not constitute ownership of the bridge, an issue that has been at the heart of the delays.
“We have worked long and hard, and I think it’s a far resolution of joint responsibility on this bridge,” she said at the latest Board of Trustees meeting.
The consternation that the Parkway Road Bridge expenditure created in each of the municipalities reached a fever pitch last summer, with officials from each side threatening lawsuits to ascertain the funds. Things cooled down earlier this year, with the sides sitting down to peacefully resolve the issue.
It is anticipated that construction will begin this winter, once the money problems are sorted out and the bridge is designed. The bridge should be reopened to vehicular traffic next year.
“Our colleagues in Yonkers and Eastchester have an Intermunicipal Agreement in their possession that will solemnize the costs and duties of each entity as relates to bridge reconstruction,” Marvin noted. “We believe the end result is a very equitable division of responsibilities recognition reach this level of shared responsibility caused inconvenience to residents of all municipalities.”
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