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New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez announced that construction has begun on a $10.9 million project in Putnam County to replace the bridge over the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line in Brewster and Southeast.
Dominguez said that the “project will enhance safety and improve travel conditions on the heavily traveled roadway which serves as a gateway to the village and its rail station.”
The new bridge will be 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, Dominguez noted.
“The Route 6 bridge replacement in Brewster is finally getting underway and will ultimately improve safety and traffic flow into the village and the Brewster Metro-North station," Sen. Pete Harckham stated. "This project will complement the Village of Brewster’s downtown revitalization plan, making the town’s businesses more accessible and providing an economic boost to the area.”
As part of the project, the existing three-span bridge carrying U.S. Route 6 over the Metro-North Railroad will be replaced with a single-span, steel girder bridge with a concreate deck.
The new bridge will also have new safety features, including wider shoulders and pedestrian walkways with protective fencing on both sides. New traffic signals and crosswalks will be installed at the intersection of Route 6 and Michael Neuner Drive. Sections of Route 6 and North Main Street will also be resurfaced as part of the project.
During the scope of the project, which is expected to be completed by next fall, traffic will remain flowing on the bridge until the new bridge is constructed and the roadways are realigned.
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, "we are so glad the state has started working to replace the Route 6 bridge over the Metro-North tracks in Brewster. A village that relies on foot traffic really needs safe pedestrian walkways, and straightening out the intersection with Michael Neuner Drive will help improve the traffic flow."
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