Press Release obtained from NYSDOT
New Bridge Over Metro-North Railroad Tracks to Enhance Safety and Improve Access to the Village of Brewster
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that construction has begun on a $10.9 million project to replace the U.S. Route 6 bridge over the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem River Line in the Village of Brewster, Town of Southeast, Putnam County. 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 also 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.
“Creating a 21st Century transportation network that promotes economic growth and strengthens the ties that bind our communities together is a core mission of the New York State Department of Transportation,” Commissioner Dominguez said. “The new Route 6 Bridge will help bring two sections of one village together and benefit residents and commuters for decades to come.”
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 modern, single-span, steel girder bridge with a concreate deck that will reduce maintenance costs. The new bridge will also have enhanced 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.
Traffic will be maintained on the existing bridge and Route 6 while the new bridge and road realignment are constructed. All work is expected to be complete by fall 2020.
Senator Pete Harckham said, “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. 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.”
Assemblyman Kevin Byrne said, “This is a welcomed announcement for Putnam County, and particularly the residents of Southeast and the Village of Brewster. As a member of the New York State Assembly Transportation Committee, I’m always advocating for upgrades to our state’s infrastructure. This project will make our transportation system safer and lead to easier access for Metro-North users. I look forward to seeing this project progress over the next year.”
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.”