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$36.6M Thruway Upgrade In Hudson Valley Completed: 'Smoother, Safer,' Hochul Says $36.6M Thruway Upgrade In Hudson Valley Completed: 'Smoother, Safer,' Hochul Says
$36.6M Thruway Upgrade In Hudson Valley Completed: 'Smoother, Safer,' Hochul Says Drivers traveling the NYS Thruway in Orange County should now experience smoother, safer conditions following the completion of a $36.6 million infrastructure improvement project. The project, which began last year, repaired and resurfaced 48 lane miles of Interstate 87 between Exit 16 in Woodbury (Harriman–Route 6/NY 17) and Exit 17 in Newburgh (Scranton–I-84/Route 17K and 300), Gov. Kathy Hochul said in an announcement on Monday, Oct. 20. The heavily traveled stretch of highway carries about 53,000 vehicles per day, according to the New York State Thruway Authority.   The work …

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by Ben Crnic
Business
NY Among Best States For Research, Development In New Ranking: Here's Why NY Among Best States For Research, Development In New Ranking: Here's Why
NY Among Best States For Research, Development In New Ranking: Here's Why Many Northeast states are among the most innovative in the US, according to a new study. SmileHub released its 2025 list of Best States for Research and Development on Tuesday, Sept. 16. All 50 states were ranked across 17 metrics, including researchers per capita, research and development (R&D) spending, patents, research facilities, and STEM education. R&D funding in the US more than doubled over the past 15 years, climbing from $407 billion in 2010 to almost $940 billion in 2023, according to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. That inv…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Amtrak Debuts New High-Speed Trains Across Northeast As Trump Seizes DC's Union Station Amtrak Debuts New High-Speed Trains Across Northeast As Trump Seizes DC's Union Station
Amtrak Debuts New High-Speed Trains Across Northeast As Trump Seizes DC's Union Station High-speed rail in the Northeast just got a significant upgrade. Amtrak's new NextGen Acela trains launched on Wednesday, August 27. The first train left Union Station in Washington, DC, at 5 a.m., while a second one departed Boston's South Station at 6 a.m. The upgraded trains promise faster service and more seats to the nation's busiest rail travel corridor. "Acela is synonymous with American high-speed trains, and today marks a new era of next-generation service," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "On behalf of everyone at Amtrak, I’m proud to welcome you aboard NextGen Acela. Th…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers in the Hudson Valley will see rate increases starting next month after state regulators approved a new three-year plan they say aims to strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses.   The New York State Public Service Commission’s approval allows Central Hudson to make critical upgrades to improve service reliability while keeping cost impacts relatively low for most customers, the company said Thursday, Aug. 14.  Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, the average electric customer will see their total bill rise by a…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Poughkeepsie Named One of America’s Greatest In New Report Poughkeepsie Named One of America’s Greatest In New Report
Poughkeepsie Named One of America’s Greatest In New Report A city in the Hudson Valley has officially earned its bragging rights. The City of Poughkeepsie has climbed to No. 82 on World’s Best Cities.com’s list of the top 100 cities in the US for 2025, which recognized it for its revitalized downtown, walkability, and vibrant community life—all nestled alongside the scenic Hudson River.  "It is no secret that the City of Poughkeepsie faces a pivotal turning point in its lifespan," said Mayor Yvonne Flowers in response to the rankings, also adding, "That's why it was especially encouraging to be recognized once again as one …

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by Ben Crnic
News
'Sounds Like Corruption': Elon Musk Slams NJ For Dropping Tesla 'Sounds Like Corruption': Elon Musk Slams NJ For Dropping Tesla
'Sounds Like Corruption': Elon Musk Slams NJ For Dropping Tesla Elon Musk is raising eyebrows after the New Jersey Turnpike Authority confirmed it’s removing 64 Tesla Superchargers from Turnpike service areas starting Thursday, June 6. But officials say there’s a straightforward reason: Tesla’s contract expired. “Sounds like corruption,” Musk wrote on X in response to a Tesla post accusing the NJTA of cutting the company out in favor of a single third-party provider. Sounds like corruption — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 30, 2025 In a statement on May 30, Tesla said the NJTA had “chosen a sole third-party charging provider” and was “not allowing us to …

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by Cecilia Levine
Politics
All Aboard The Trump Train? Florida Rep Says Rename DC Metro Or Lose $150M All Aboard The Trump Train? Florida Rep Says Rename DC Metro Or Lose $150M
All Aboard The Trump Train? Florida Rep Says Rename DC Metro Or Lose $150M A Florida congressman wants to slap “Trump Train” on DC’s subway system — and he’s threatening to cut off $150 million in federal funding unless it happens. On Thursday, May 29, Republican Rep. Greg Steube introduced the Make Autorail Great Again Act, a bill that would block all federal funds to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) unless it changes its name and rebrands the Metrorail. Under the proposal, WMATA would become the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA) and the Metrorail system would be renamed the “Trump Train.” This is not a joke. …

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by Zak Failla
News
‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ ‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ
‘Death To America’ Man Who Tried To Firebomb US Embassy In Tel Aviv Arrested At JFK: DOJ A man who once lived in Colorado is facing federal charges for attempting to firebomb the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Sunday, May 25. Joseph Neumeyer, 28, a dual U.S.-German citizen, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport after being deported from Israel, according to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. Molotov Cocktails Outside The Embassy Neumeyer allegedly showed up at the U.S. Embassy’s Tel Aviv branch on Sunday, May 19, with a dark backpack loaded with three Molotov cocktails. Se…

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by Jillian Pikora
Lifestyle
Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why
Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why A newly released report has ranked all 50 states in the United States from top to bottom based on a variety of factors, providing insight into the best states to live in. Utah has been recognized as No. 1 in the U.S. News Best States rankings for the third consecutive year. However, the report encompasses a broader scope, highlighting various states that also excel in several key areas. Historically, Utah was often associated with three main attributes: the film Footloose,’ green Jell-O, and a youthful workforce. Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Provo-based Utah Valley Chamber of Comm…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
These New York Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Says After Key Bridge Collapse These New York Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Says After Key Bridge Collapse
These New York Bridges Are At Risk Of Failure, NTSB Says After Key Bridge Collapse The catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland is sparking national concern as federal investigators warn that nearly 70 other bridges across the country could face a similar fate. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday, March 20, recommended that 30 bridge owners conduct urgent vulnerability assessments after an investigation into the deadly collapse of the Key Bridge found it was nearly 30 times above the acceptable risk threshold for critical structures. Key Bridge collapse. Baltimore County PD According to the NTSB, 68 bri…

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by Zak Failla
News
New York Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says New York Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says
New York Among Least Federally Dependent States, New Study Says Some states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic rely heavily on federal dollars, while others send far more to Washington than they get back, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2025 list of Most & Least Federally Dependent States on Monday, Mar. 10. The study ranked all 50 states based on metrics like return on federal taxes paid, federal funding as a share of state revenue, and the percentage of federal jobs. The report showed a sharp divide in federal dependency across the US, with many Democratic-leaning states contributing more in taxes than they receive a…

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by Chris Spiker
News
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why
NYC's 'War On Rats' Heats Up As Climate Change Fuels Infestation: New Study Shows Why Climate change is fueling a surge in rat populations across major US cities, with Washington, DC, seeing the worst increase over the past two decades, a new study said. The study published by Science Advances on Friday, Jan. 31, analyzed public records from 16 cities worldwide to determine why some urban environments are more infested with rats than others. The researchers found that 11 cities — including Washington, Boston, and New York City — had seen major rat population growth over an average of 12 years. Washington's increase was the most extreme, tripling compared to Bo…

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by Chris Spiker
News
Construction Starts On $23 Million Clean Water Project In Dutchess County Construction Starts On $23 Million Clean Water Project In Dutchess County
Construction Starts On $23 Million Clean Water Project In Dutchess County Construction has begun on a $23 million wastewater treatment plant and sewer project in the Hudson Valley, which will help ensure reliable wastewater service and protect water quality. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, Oct. 24, the start of the project in Dutchess County undertaken by the Water and Wastewater Authority to modernize clean water infrastructure in the village of Tivoli.  Hochul said the $23 million in state and federal investments will modernize the village’s 1930s-era sewer system, ensuring reliable wastewater service for the community and protecting the …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley $26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley Work has started on a section of Hudson Valley roadway to upgrade drainage systems, fortify stone, resurface the road, and more. According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the $26.3 million project begins Monday, Oct. 21, and will occur in Orange County along a 4.9-mile stretch of Route 9W atop Storm King Mountain in Cornwall and Highlands.  The scenic highway between Newburgh and Bear Mountain on the western side of the Hudson River serves as an essential access road for the US Military Academy at West Point and many other popular attractions in the Hudson Valley region. “New Yorkers n…

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by Kathy Reakes
Traffic
Dutchess County Bridge Reopened to Traffic Following Construction Dutchess County Bridge Reopened to Traffic Following Construction
Dutchess County Bridge Reopened to Traffic Following Construction A Hudson Valley bridge has reopened to traffic following replacement of the old structure. The Dutchess County Department of Public Works announced that the replacement of a bridge on Ridge Road in the town of Dover had been completed, and the structure had been opened to traffic. Work on the bridge began in the Spring and included replacing the structure, located over the Mill River near the intersection of Cooperstown Road, with a new, wider bridge that includes three-foot shoulders and slightly straightening the surrounding roadway to improve motorists' safety.  The department said…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Poughkeepsie Receives $894K From State To Rebuild Aging Garden Street Bridge Poughkeepsie Receives $894K From State To Rebuild Aging Garden Street Bridge
Poughkeepsie Receives $894K From State To Rebuild Aging Garden Street Bridge Thanks to $894,000 in state funding, an aging bridge in the region used for commuting, biking, and walking, will soon be replaced with a new structure. According to City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers, the city has received $894,000 from the state to assist in replacing the Garden Street Bridge over the Fallkill Creek, a project that is expected to begin next spring. Although the bridge is currently open and safe for legal traffic loads, replacing the bridge is a long-term investment that will improve safety for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike for the d…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties
Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties Three Hudson Valley bridges have received funding for rehabilitation in three counties. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, June 25, that work is underway on a $17.4 million project to rehabilitate three highway bridges in the Hudson Valley, in Rockland, Westchester, and Orange counties. The project will install new decks and road surfaces and make other repairs to bridges along State Route 52 in Orange County, State Route 304 in Rockland County, and Illington Road in Westchester County, which serve thousands of motorists each day and are widely used by commuters to reach the regi…

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by Kathy Reakes
Politics
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Among the New York races that political pundits are keeping an eye on this Primary Day is that of the journalist versus the chemist. On Long Island, Democrats John Avlon and Nancy Goroff are facing off to determine who will take on Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November for the state’s 1st Congressional District, representing the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. The 51-year-old Avlon is a former political analyst at CNN who previously served as a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun. He was also the chief speech writer for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Ea…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York continues to rank among the top 25 best states in the country. The Empire State came in at No. 23 – down slightly from No. 20 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. New York made the top 10 for natural environment and health care, coming in at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively, while placing No. 12 in educat…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage All state agencies in New York will review critical infrastructure and assess the potential for damage following an earthquake and multiple aftershocks.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made that announcement as the US Geological Survey has detected at least 25 aftershocks in Central New Jersey, many of which have been felt in New York and across the region, following the original 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. “My top priority is keeping people safe, and I have directed state personnel to take all necessary precautions following yesterday's historic earthquake,” Hochul said. “At…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Replacement Work To Close Hudson Valley Bridge, Restrict Roadway Access Replacement Work To Close Hudson Valley Bridge, Restrict Roadway Access
Replacement Work To Close Hudson Valley Bridge, Restrict Roadway Access Replacement work of a bridge will restrict access to a busy Hudson Valley roadway. The Orange County project begins Monday, March 11 with the closure of the Walsh Road Bridge which carries Walsh Road over the Quassaick Creek in the area between the City of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor. City officials said the Walsh Road Bridge will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, until further notice.  Vehicles should follow detour signs posted in the construction area. Please avoid the use of Walsh Road in this area and obey al…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Street Turns To River After 107-Year-Old Water Main Ruptures In Capital Region (Developing) Street Turns To River After 107-Year-Old Water Main Ruptures In Capital Region (Developing)
Street Turns To River After 107-Year-Old Water Main Ruptures In Capital Region (Developing) Crews are responding to a “substantial” water main break in the region that has inundated a residential neighborhood with a torrent of flood water. The Rensselaer County incident happened at around 2:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18 in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, near 7th Avenue and 124th Street. According to city officials, a 30-inch cast iron water main running along 124th Street broke somewhere between 6th and 7th avenues. The water main was installed in 1916 and is one of the two major distribution lines flowing from the water treatment plant. In a photo shared by the city, a significan…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why
Here's Where NY Ranks Among Best States In US, And Why A brand-new report ranks all 50 states from top to bottom based on a variety of factors. U.S. News & World Report released its annual best states rankings on Tuesday, May 2, and New York came in at -- drumroll, please -- No. 20. Rankings were based on statistics in several categories, including economy, crime, health care, infrastructure, and education. A total of 48.8 percent of New Yorkers are college educated, the report said. New York has a median income of $43,462 and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of just over $2 billion. Utah is the top-ranked state in the rankings. …

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by Joe Lombardi
Traffic
Westchester Highway To Benefit From $100M In Funding For Paving Projects Westchester Highway To Benefit From $100M In Funding For Paving Projects
Westchester Highway To Benefit From $100M In Funding For Paving Projects Several highways in New York that have been impacted by severe weather are set to undergo major facelifts thanks to millions of dollars in state funding being made available. A total of $100 million in funding has been released to cover repaving projects at 64 locations across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Wednesday, Feb. 8. The projects add up to nearly 520 lane miles of pavement. In touting the funding, Hochul’s office said the projects will enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers while making roads safer and promoting local commerce. "We are making historic i…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New $5M Roundabout Hopes To Smooth Traffic On Busy Hudson Valley Roadway New $5M Roundabout Hopes To Smooth Traffic On Busy Hudson Valley Roadway
New $5M Roundabout Hopes To Smooth Traffic On Busy Hudson Valley Roadway Motorists will find a new roundabout in the Hudson Valley that is meant to make traffic flow smoother to and from Route 376. The roundabout, located in Dutchess County, in the town of Wappinger, has been completed as part of a $5.8 million project that modernized the intersection of Route 376 with New Hackensack Road and All Angels Hill Road, according to the state Department of Transportation.  The project, which was completed on budget and six months ahead of schedule, created a one-lane roundabout that eased traffic flow and enhanced safety at a busy intersection used by residents a…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect
Here's How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Could Increase If NY Thruway Proposal Takes Effect It could soon cost more to drive on the New York State Thruway, and that includes the Tappan Zee Bridge. The New York State Thruway Authority's (NYSTA) board of directors will meet Monday, Dec. 5, to consider a proposed toll hike that would begin in 2024, WIVB in Buffalo reports.  Tolls would increase by 5 percent for E-ZPass customers in 2024 and 5 percent again in 2027, according to the outlet.  Those with out-of-state E-ZPasses or who are paying by mail would pay 75 percent more than the tolls for New York E-ZPass holders. That’s up considerably compared to the current 15 percent dif…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'Safety, Resiliency': $60.5M In Hudson Valley Bridge Upgrade Projects Completed 'Safety, Resiliency': $60.5M In Hudson Valley Bridge Upgrade Projects Completed
'Safety, Resiliency': $60.5M In Hudson Valley Bridge Upgrade Projects Completed Two major bridge upgrade projects totaling $60.5 million in the Hudson Valley have been successfully completed.  According to an announcement by the New York Department of Transportation on Monday, Nov. 21, the two upgrade projects include:  A $48 million replacement of a bridge in Mount Vernon that carries East Lincoln Avenue over the Hutchinson River Parkway and Hutchinson River;  A $12.5 million project in Orange County that replaced one bridge and rehabilitated three others in Wawayanda that carry Interstate 84 over the Monhagen Creek and McVeigh Road.&nbs…

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by Ben Crnic
News
$15 Million Bridge Replacement Projects Complete In Hudson Valley $15 Million Bridge Replacement Projects Complete In Hudson Valley
$15 Million Bridge Replacement Projects Complete In Hudson Valley State officials announced the completion of bridge replacement projects that cost a total of about $15 million in the Hudson Valley. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the projects to replace the US Route 6 Bridge in Putnam County and the State Route 209 Bridge in Ulster County on Tuesday, June 28. Hochul said the $10.9 million project in Brewster to replace the US Route 6 Bridge over Metro-North Railroad's Harlem River Line creates a direct intersection with Michael Neuner Drive, fulfilling a goal to improve downtown access to Brewster's western neighborhoods.  The $4…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Cashless Tolling Starts At Bridge In Hudson Valley Cashless Tolling Starts At Bridge In Hudson Valley
Cashless Tolling Starts At Bridge In Hudson Valley A new cashless tolling option has been implemented for drivers traveling on a busy Hudson Valley bridge that connects Dutchess and Ulster counties. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday, March 1 that the Mid-Hudson Bridge connecting Highland in Ulster County and Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County has become the latest in the region to go cashless. Related story - New Cashless Tolls Coming To Westchester: Here's When, Where Motorists will no longer have to wait at the gate to pay or scan their E-Z Pass. Instead, sensors will read the car’s EZ-Pass, or a photo will be taken and …

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by Zak Failla
News
$23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area $23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area
$23.6 Bridge Replacement Project Completed In Area A $23.6 million project to replace a bridge in the Hudson Valley is now complete. The State Route 28 bridge in Ulster County over the Esopus Creek in the Hamlet of Mount Tremper has been redesigned, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, Nov. 3. "As we continue to recover from the pandemic, more and more New Yorkers and tourists are seeking outdoor activities, especially in areas like beautiful Ulster County," Hochul said. "This project maintains uninterrupted access to fishing sites, hiking trails, and other area destinations and is yet another example of pr…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
$23.6 Million Bridge Construction Project Completed In Hudson Valley $23.6 Million Bridge Construction Project Completed In Hudson Valley
$23.6 Million Bridge Construction Project Completed In Hudson Valley A $23.6 million project to replace and rehabilitate bridges along a busy area roadway has been completed. The goal of the project on Route 9W in Orange County was to enhance safety and improve travel along the highway in the towns of New Windsor, Cornwall, and Highlands, the state has announced. The state reported that the replaced bridges include: The River Road bridge over Route 9W, Town of New Windsor The Route 9W bridge over Quaker Avenue, Town of Cornwall The Willow Avenue bridge over Route 9W, Town of Cornwall The Angola Road bridge over Route 9W bridge, Town of Cornwall The refurbi…

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by Nicole Valinote