The Poughkeepsie side of the Mid-Hudson Bridge will undergo a major renovation over the next two years.
On Aug. 14, the City of Poughkeepsie highlighted the construction plan in a post on its Facebook page, pointing to work that will start in the fall and continue through the summer of 2027.
The New York State Bridge Authority announced the $34.4 million rehabilitation project planned for the bridge’s east side in the City of Poughkeepsie on Aug. 1.
The goal is to maintain the Mid-Hudson Bridge’s safety and keep it in good condition, as it is the New York State Bridge Authority’s second-oldest bridge designed for vehicles, originally opened on Aug. 25, 1930.
The project aims to strengthen and stabilize the bridge, as well as improve road quality, drivability on the east end and the long-term integrity of the bridge.
New pavement was laid on the bridge’s west side in Highland in 2023.
“The rehabilitation of the east approach complements the paving work completed on the bridge and the west approach in 2023,” New York State Bridge Authority Executive Director Minosca Alcantara said in a statement.
Alcantara noted toll dollars are being used to help fund the new infrastructure project, but in total, this is a $34,448,885 construction project, as per the agenda for the July 17 NYSBA Board of Commissioners meeting.
Michels Construction Inc., of White Plains, was awarded the construction contract during that meeting, after three bids were submitted on May 20 — Michels had the lowest bid of the three.
“As we approach the Mid-Hudson Bridge’s 100th anniversary in 2030, we take pride in the ongoing care and investment that ensure this vital connection remains safe, dependable and well-maintained for the thousands of people who rely on it every day,” Alcantara said.
Mid-Hudson Bridge construction: What’s being done
The project area will begin at the Route 9 on and off ramps to the bridge and continue to the former toll house on the Poughkeepsie side, at the beginning of the bridge.
This area in particular has five mini-spans, or short lengths of structure, that cross over local roadways, the railroad tracks, in addition to viaducts and anchorages, which support bridge suspension cables.
Traffic impact during Mid-Hudson Bridge renovations
The New York State Bridge Authority said motorists should only have minimal traffic disruptions.
At the start of the project in the fall, work is scheduled to take place beneath the bridge deck, and there will be no changes to existing traffic patterns.
The two-lane configuration, with the reversible two-to-one-lane configuration used during daily rush hours, will continue as usual. Surface-level work is planned to be completed during off-peak hours, and one lane in each direction will be open while this is completed.
However, alternating lanes and nighttime detours may be used.
The New York State Bridge Authority urged motorists in a statement to “stay alert, follow posted signs, and reduce speed when driving through the work zone to help ensure the safety of both workers and fellow travelers.”
What happens next
To stay up to date on the rehabilitation project, the New York State Bridge Authority’s Facebook and X accounts will share progress, in combination with messaging signs near the bridge.
Additionally, visit 511ny.org or download the 511NY mobile app for traffic alerts on the bridge and other local roads.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Mid-Hudson Bridge construction project begins in the fall: Timeline, traffic impact
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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