Project will Enhance Safety and Mobility along Historic Roadway
Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that work is getting underway on a $28.9 million project that will construct a new bridge over the Taconic State Parkway at the Pudding Street intersection in Putnam Valley as well as new ramps that will better enable motorists to get on and off the Parkway. The project will eliminate the current at-grade crossing and realign the Parkway to accommodate a new bridge, which will increase sight distance and make the crossing easier to navigate for commuters, school buses and emergency service providers.
“The Taconic State Parkway is an important piece of Hudson Valley’s heritage with its arching stone bridges and impressive vistas,”Governor Cuomo said. “Upgrading the Pudding Street interchange is part of our commitment to modernizing the state’s transportation infrastructure for the 21st century, enhancing safety while maintaining the integrity of this remarkable Parkway.”
In keeping with the parkway’s historic features, the project calls for a modern single-span bridge with aesthetic features that mimic the appearance of other Taconic Parkway bridges, including a steel component appearance, decorative fencing, and concrete structural elements with recessed decorative features. The design of the new bridge does not include deck joints, eliminating the need for future joint repairs and reducing maintenance costs.
The project also calls for a new, improved drainage system for the interchange. To accommodate the new bridge and ramps, wetlands will be relocated within the project area.
Project construction will be done in stages and two lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the work. The Pudding Street crossing will be closed to traffic for approximately five months with a detour in place beginning next summer. Emergency responders will have access to the Roaring Brook community via limited-access roads during the closure. All work is expected to be complete by summer 2021.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we are investing in infrastructure projects that ensure the Hudson Valley’s economic growth while meeting the needs of travelers and local communities. This new bridge and other improvements at Pudding Street will make it easier to get on and off the Taconic, helping commuters, school bus drivers and emergency responders get to where they need to go, safely.”
Senator Sue Serino said, “This groundbreaking has been over two decades in the making and I am incredibly proud to have played a role in making this long-held dream of our local community a reality. I thank the countless community advocates who have never given up the fight, NYSDOT for working so diligently alongside my office in getting this project off the ground and the Governor for hearing us and making this project a priority. The building of the Pudding Street Overpass has the potential to drastically increase traffic safety throughout the local area and we look forward to its much anticipated completion.”
Assembly Member Kevin Byrne said, “As someone who has spent much of his life living in Putnam Valley and has frequently traveled through this intersection, it’s great to see that after many years of hard-work and avid advocacy, this project has finally begun.
The Pudding Street intersection is one of the most dangerous intersections on the Taconic State Parkway. This project is vital to public safety. It will make the intersection safer for our entire community, as well as those who travel through it.”
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “This project is a win for residents of Putnam County who have fought for many years for a safer intersection at Pudding Street. I thank Governor Cuomo, NYSDOT and all the people involved in making this project a reality.”
Robert Langley, Putnam County Sheriff, said, “Although construction is just beginning, the completion of the overpass will increase safety for the motoring public along the Taconic State Parkway and Pudding Street in the Town of Putnam Valley.”
Sam Oliverio, Supervisor, Town of Putnam Valley, said, “I am so pleased that Governor Cuomo has supported the construction of the Pudding St. Overpass Bridge. I have always believed that the only reason government exists, is to provide for the Health and Safety of its constituency. This Overpass Bridge is a major health and safety issue and will provide our residents (and especially our school buses) a clear and unobstructed passage across the four lanes of the Taconic Highway. Thank you Governor Cuomo and all who helped make this project real. Its benefits will be felt by our residents for many years to come!”