30°
In an announcement, officials from the New York State Thruway Authority said the $31.8 million project to replace the 65-year-old North Avenue bridge in New Rochelle will require a temporary detour for southbound traffic through late 2025 beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
As part of Stage 2 of the project, northbound traffic will continue to flow in a single lane on a newly completed portion of the bridge, while southbound vehicles will be detoured at Lockwood Avenue to Memorial Highway. The detour will be in effect 24/7 to facilitate the safe demolition and replacement of the bridge’s center section.
According to officials, the southbound detour was not initially planned but became necessary after frequent violations of a truck detour by large vehicles unable to navigate the restricted space in the work zone, posing a safety risk to workers and drivers.
The Thruway Authority has coordinated with New Rochelle officials to optimize traffic signal timing along the detour route to improve traffic flow.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time, follow posted detours, or seek alternate routes. Local businesses remain accessible, and variable message signs are in place to alert drivers of the changes.
The project's newest phase marks the next step since Stage 1, which began in January 2023 and involved the completion of outer portions of the bridge, including steel girder installation and concrete deck pouring.
Stage 2 will involve demolition, steel installation, and continued construction of the bridge’s center section.
The work is expected to primarily occur during the day, though some night operations will take place for safety. Temporary full closures of the bridge in both directions will be announced in advance.
When the project is substantially completed in late 2025, the modernized bridge will be wider, improve traffic flow on nearby roads, and raise its vertical clearance over I-95 to 16 feet 6 inches from the current height of 14 feet 3 inches.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.
