$10.9M Bridge Replacement Project in Brewster Completed
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A $10.9 million project in the Village of Brewster within the Town of Southeast that replaced the Route 6 bridge over Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem River Line was recently completed.
The new bridge was constructed 75 feet to the south of the existing structure, creating a direct intersection with Michael Neuner Drive and fulfilling a goal of the village’s master plan to improve downtown access and provide better connectivity to Brewster’s western neighborhoods.
“The Village of Brewster is in the process of a major revitalization in the form of a transit-oriented development at the heart of the village, and the entrances to this area set a precedent for what is to come in the future,” said Brewster Mayor James Schoenig. “The Route 6 Bridge is the newest entry point that welcomes people to our community. The Village of Brewster is pleased to have a more cohesive and safe intersection that will serve as an entrance to the village for those traveling on Route 6. The bridge connects the neighboring towns and our village residents, but it also acts as the bridge to bring people, goods, and services safely to the soon-to-be newly upgraded Village of Brewster.”
“The realignment of Route 6 and the new bridge greatly improved what had been a decades-old confusing and chaotic three-way intersection into what is now a four-way intersection that is controlled by a traffic light,” said Town of Southeast Supervisor Tony Hay.
As part of the project, which began in the fall of 2019, the existing three-span bridge carrying Route 6 over the Metro-North Railroad was replaced with a modern, single-span, steel girder bridge with a concrete deck that reduces maintenance costs. The new bridge also has enhanced safety features, including wider shoulders and pedestrian walkways with protective fencing on both sides.
As an added benefit and to keep with the aesthetics of the community, state Department of Transportation landscape architects implemented a plan for new landscaping, which included approximately 75 trees and 250 shrubs. In addition, historical stone pillars within the project area were raised to accommodate the new elevation of the adjacent roadway.
New traffic signals and crosswalks were installed at the intersection of Route 6 and Michael Neuner Drive. A new drainage system was constructed project-wide, including the installation of a new flow control structure and a new stormwater treatment system to help safeguard the environment. Underground utility work included the installation of water, sewer, gas, and communication lines across the new bridge, as well as the replacement of existing underground utility connections adjacent to the bridge.
“Important infrastructure investments like the bridge replacement project on Route 6 in Brewster are integral to maintaining New York’s post-pandemic economic rebound,” said State Senator Pete Harckham. “The completion of this project will benefit local residents and business owners in numerous ways while also keeping an eye on public safety risks to those traveling on this roadway.”
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/
