Work is getting underway on a $28.9 million project that will construct a new bridge over the Taconic State Parkway at the Pudding St. intersection in Putnam Valley.
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,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo stated. “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.”
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.
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 St. crossing will be closed to traffic for approximately five months with a detour in place beginning next summer.
All work is expected to be complete by summer 2021.
