AMVETS Bridge Reopens Tomorrow Morning

More than a month ahead of schedule, the northbound Taconic State Parkway bridge over the New Croton Reservoir will open to traffic tomorrow morning before the morning rush.

The bridge, known as the AMVETS Bridge, was being rehabilitated as part of a $26 million project, which included steel hangers and deck supports, concrete bridge deck and railing; installing new guide rail; and resurfacing the roadway on each end of bridge.

The bridge has been closed since March and had a target date of opening on Nov. 9. 

Remaining work, including restoration of the crossover areas, bridge painting, and project landscaping, will continue into the spring of 2013, according to a statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today. 

The AMVETS bridge on the Taconic State Parkway was built in 1931 and the last major rehabilitation was completed in 1989. According to state officials, the bridge carries more than 32,000 vehicles per day.

During the closure, northbound traffic was re-routed onto the southbound span, with two travel lanes in each direction. Northbound traffic was re-routed at Pines Bridge Road onto the southbound span. Commuters were shifted back onto northbound Taconic State Parkway just south of Underhill Avenue in Yorktown. As part of the project, drivers were squeezed from three to two narrower lanes, traveling in each direction during the 3.5 mile stretch. 

In a statement today, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald said:

"Rehabilitating the bridge over the reservoir improves safety and provides a smoother ride for thousands of travelers who use this bridge every day. We thank the public for their patience during construction and are proud to be reopening the bridge more than a month ahead of schedule."

Commissioner McDonald was joined on the bridge today by state and local officials for the official announcement of the bridge's reopening. The construction contractor for the project is Tutor Perini Corporation of New Rochelle, Westchester County.

Read the full press release from Gov. Cuomo here.

Check back with Patch for more on the story and today's press conference.