Governor Kathy Hochul today announced construction has been completed on a $23.6 million project to replace four bridges and rehabilitate three others along State Route 9W in the towns of New Windsor, Cornwall and Highlands in Orange County. The project enhanced safety and improved travel along a key route that’s vital for the flow of people and commerce in the Hudson Valley and also provides access to attractions like Storm King Mountain and the United States Military Academy at West Point. Extensive recycling techniques were also employed during construction to reduce the demand for new materials and reduce the project’s environmental impact.
“New York State remains committed to building a 21st century infrastructure that improves quality of life, promotes economic growth and helps to safeguard our environment,” Governor Hochul said. “Renewing the bridges along the Route 9W corridor will help countless commuters who travel this vital corridor every day, and help keep people and goods moving throughout Orange County for years into the future.”
Improvements made as part of the project include new road surfaces, increased vertical clearances, concrete arch and substructure repairs, and new parapets, railings and sidewalks. New, weather resistant steel girders were installed to significantly lengthen the life span of the bridges and lessen the need for frequent painting.
During construction, concrete debris was taken from the bridge sites and transported to a local facility, where it was reduced and processed for use as backfill, subbase and gravel. Additionally, embankment materials were excavated, stockpiled and utilized as backfill on the new bridges, slopes and roadways.
Bioretention elements were added to create a natural filtration system, which protects wildlife and prevents adverse impacts from stormwater runoff. Stone armoring, also known as heavy stone fill, was added at the Black Forest Creek location to fix scour and erosion at inlets and outlets, which will allow for the free flow of water.
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.
Refurbished bridges include:
- The Route 9W bridge over Route 218, Town of Cornwall.
- The Route 9W bridge over Black Forest Creek, Town of Cornwall.
- The Route 9W bridge Route 218, Town of Highlands.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “All across New York, we are building a sustainable and resilient transportation infrastructure that will strengthen communities and promote growth. This project along the Route 9W corridor is no exception and demonstrates the Department of Transportation’s commitment to giving New Yorkers the transportation system they deserve and utilizing sound and environmentally conscious methods and materials.”
Senator James Skoufis said, “I am thrilled to see these improvements completed along our busy 9W corridor, a long-awaited project that I joined others in pushing for when I served in the Assembly. Making upgrades to our main thoroughfares is a tried and true way to improve quality of life for residents as we get New York back to work.”
Assemblymember Colin J. Schmitt said, “The successful completion of the state replacement and rehabilitation of seven bridges on the 9W corridor is welcome news to area residents and visitors alike who frequently travel this route. This type of critical infrastructure investment has a direct positive impact on our communities and our local economy. I am glad to work with the Governor and my partners in government to support this project and look forward to continued collaboration that positively improves and invests in our local roads and bridges.”
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul and the State Department of Transportation for its efforts to replace these four bridges. This critical project provides safety and convenience for residents and visitors alike, allowing better access to popular destinations such as Storm King Mountain and the United States Military Academy at West Point. County road and bridge infrastructure is vital to the region, and we are committed to working with the State DOT to keep our roads safe.”
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.
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