Project Enhances Navigation and Mobility Along Historic Roadway - See Photos Here
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that work is complete on the $28.9 million project to construct a new bridge over the Taconic State Parkway at the Pudding Street intersection in Putnam Valley as well as new ramps to better enable motorists to get on and off the parkway. The project used modern and sustainable engineering practices to eliminate the at-grade crossing and realign the Parkway. The project, which was completed on time and on budget, enhances access for communities to the east and west, increases sight distance and mobility for school buses and improves access for emergency services.
"The enhancements over the Taconic State Parkway will make it easier for motorists in Putnam Valley to reach their destinations more quickly and safely than ever before," Governor Cuomo said. "As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across New York, the dedicated workers on this project continued to come to work and completed the job on time and on budget, maintaining the historic integrity of the Taconic State Parkway and advancing our commitment to meet the transportation needs of local communities."
The project used innovative recycling techniques to reuse on-site rock materials. Large rock blasts were needed to accommodate the new bridge and ramps, which yielded a significant amount of smaller rock and stone. The blasted material was reduced and recycled for use as backfill, subbase and stone fill. Additional excess rock material was hauled away for use on other construction sites across the state.
To accentuate the parkway's historic status, a modern, two-span bridge structure was built with aesthetic features that mimic the appearance of existing bridges on the Taconic State Parkway, including a steel component appearance, decorative fencing, and concrete structural elements with recessed decorative features.
An improved drainage system was installed as part of the project. To accommodate the new bridge and ramps, wetlands were relocated within the project area. The project also included the replacement of an existing culvert carrying Pudding Street over Roaring Brook.
Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "All across New York, the Department of Transportation is building resilient infrastructure like roads and bridges in cooperation with the local communities that depend on them. The new Pudding Street interchange is more than just an innovative transportation project; it's a common sense solution to a transportation need identified by the local community. The end result is not only aesthetically appealing, but enhances safety for the motorists and school buses who utilize this facility every day to get to work, go to school and enjoy recreational opportunities in and around the Hudson Valley."
Senator Susan Serino said, "Decades in the making, the completion of the Pudding Street Overpass is a tremendous win for the local community and every driver who travels this stretch of the Taconic. Today's announcement is an incredible example of all that can be accomplished when committed partners at every level come together to make a real difference, and I am immensely proud to have helped get this critical project over the finish line. I thank all of the local residents and officials whose persistence helped to drive this project, and to team at the Department of Transportation for all that they have done to engage the community and complete the project on time and as promised."
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, "The Taconic Parkway was designed for an earlier, slower time. The completion of the Pudding Street bridge and the redesigned intersection will make the busy roadway safer for today's drivers. Putnam County residents can feel reassured that the entrance and exit to the Parkway at Pudding Street are safe to drive."
Robert Langley, Putnam County Sheriff, said, "The construction crews working alongside New York State Department of Transportation should be commended for the outstanding work they have done in completing the Pudding Street Overpass at the Taconic State Parkway in the Town of Putnam Valley. This overpass has made crossing the parkway safer for everyone, especially the school busses that have to cross the parkway with our children throughout the school year. Thank you to everyone who made this vision a reality."
Sam Oliverio, Supervisor, Town of Putnam Valley, said, "With the advocacy of the Roaring Brook Lake Association, the assistance of Senator Sue Serino and the full support of Governor Cuomo and the NY State Department of Transportation; the Town of Putnam Valley is so pleased to have the Pudding St. Overpass completed and in full use. This Overpass is so necessary for the safety of our residents and especially our school children as they cross the heavily traveled Taconic Highway. Thanks go to Governor Cuomo who saw the need for the Overpass and all those who assisted in finally having this exceptionally important travel-way built."
Motorists are reminded to Move Over a lane, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.
Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.
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