Several Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitative Projects
Scheduled to Begin Next Month
Poughkeepsie…The Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced as part of continuing efforts to revitalize the County’s road system, several bridge replacement and rehabilitation projects are scheduled to begin throughout Dutchess County, beginning in early April. Repair or replacement work includes bridges on Degarmo Road (CR 43) over the Wappinger Creek in the Towns of LaGrange and Poughkeepsie; on North Avenue (CR 72) over the Great Spring Creek in the Town of Pleasant Valley; and on Linden Avenue (CR 79) over the Saw Kill in the Town of Red Hook. Details for each project are provided below.
“Over the next several months, crews will be out throughout Dutchess County replacing and repairing a number of bridges to increase safety and enhance ridability. Residents are reminded to leave extra time when commuting to their destination and to take extra precaution in and around the work sites to ensure the safety of workers and other motorists,” said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Rehabilitation of Bridges PO-17X and L-43 on Degarmo Road in the Towns of LaGrange and Poughkeepsie
Beginning on or around April 4th, work will begin to replace Bridges PO-17X and L-43 on Degarmo Road (CR 43) in the Towns of LaGrange and Poughkeepsie, located between the Overlook Golf Center and the Overlook Drive-In. Both bridges are in need of replacement due to deterioration of the bridge beams. As part of the project, existing bridge beams and decks will be replaced, abutments will be modified, scour protection will be installed, and new bridge rail will be added. Both bridges will maintain 12-foot lanes and 4-foot shoulders and will be raised approximately four feet to allow for greater clearance under the bridges during significant storms. Degarmo Road averages approximately 10,000 vehicles per day.
In order to reduce project costs, simplify construction, and to allow for the completion of the project in a single season, a portion of Degarmo Road will be closed between Whites Bridge Lane and the Overlook Golf Center throughout the duration of the bridge replacements; however, a detour route will be posted. All businesses in the vicinity of the bridge projects will remain open and accessible throughout the project including the Overlook Golf Center and the Overlook Drive-In. The Overlook Golf Center will be accessible via Route 44 and the Overlook Drive-In will be accessible via Route 55.
It is anticipated Degarmo Road will reopen to traffic by November. Tree removals and delivery of project equipment is currently underway.
To view a project detour map, click HERE.
Legislature Chairman Dale Borchert said, “The Department of Public Works will be engaged in numerous projects this year to increase bridge safety and enhance our road system for motorists traveling throughout Dutchess County. We ask all residents to remain patient over the next several months as crews work diligently to complete these projects. All motorists are advised to adhere to posted traffic and speed limit signs and the direction of flaggers at the work sites.”
Replacement of Bridge PV-15 on North Avenue in the Town of Pleasant Valley
Beginning on or around April 4th, work will begin to replace Bridge PV-15 on North Avenue (CR 72) in the Town of Pleasant Valley, located over the Great Spring Creek at the intersection with Sherow Road (CR 73). The bridge is in need of replacement due to significant deterioration of the bridge’s substructure, including its foundation. As part of the bridge replacement project, several safety improvements will be made including the installation of new bridge rail and widening of the bridge structure. As part of the project, North Avenue and Sherow Road will be realigned to the east to significantly improve the sight distance at the intersection of both roads. Additionally, North Avenue will be raised four feet at the intersection with Sherow Road to increase safety during inclement weather conditions. North Avenue averages approximately 5,450 vehicles per day.
Project work will be completed in multiple stages to allow North Avenue to remain open to two-way traffic for the majority of the project duration. However, a single-lane alternating traffic pattern, controlled by a temporary traffic signal, will be necessary for a period of approximately six weeks during the summer months to allow for transitioning traffic to the newly constructed roadway. During construction, it may be necessary to close North Avenue for short periods of time to allow for certain construction work to occur. Sherow Road is expected to be closed from July to September, and a detour route will be posted. The full project is anticipated to be complete in early fall.
Construction prep work will begin the week of March 28th. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during the construction period as the use of a temporary traffic signal and single-lane closure will cause significant traffic delays during peak commute times in the morning and evening.
To view a project detour map, click HERE.
Replacement of Bridge RH-18 on Linden Avenue in the Town of Red Hook
Beginning on or about April 11th, project work will begin to replace the existing RH-18 Bridge on Linden Avenue (CR 79) over the Saw Kill in the Town of Red Hook. As part of the bridge replacement project, several safety improvements will be made including the installation of new bridge railing, guiderail, signage, and drainage. The new bridge will include widened shoulders with the addition of a 5.6 foot curb-protected sidewalk along the eastern side of the bridge, to better accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the bridge will be raised approximately seven inches to allow for greater clearance under the bridge during significant storms. Linden Avenue averages approximately 3,000 vehicles per day.
Project work is anticipated to be complete in early fall. Linden Avenue will be closed to all traffic, including bicycle and pedestrian traffic, throughout the duration of the project. The existing detour route will remain in place until Linden Avenue is reopened after the construction of the new bridge. To view a project detour map, click HERE.
