When residents received a postcard from the Department of Transportation warning about upcoming traffic delays due to a huge project on the AMVETS bridge, a collective groan echoed throughout the hamlets.
When queried about efforts to allay the fear of massive traffic delays for those who recently endured three years of disruptions caused by the bridge construction in town, NYSDOT Region 8 Public Information Officer, Sue Stepp was extremely sympathetic. She had worked on that project also and is prepared to help travelers during the renovation of the AMVETS bridge on the Taconic State Parkway.
“We know that this project is going to cause delays and be very frustrating,” Stepp acknowledged. The aim of the postcards was to encourage commuters, shoppers and travelers to investigate and utilize alternative routes after construction began on March 26. On April 1 the northbound lanes of the Taconic State Park which go over the AMVETS bridge will be completely closed. The bridge is scheduled to reopen on November 9.
The announcement of the renovation prompted some to question the safety of the bridge which is situated on a heavily traveled part of the Taconic. “It is safe but if it continues to get used as is it will continue to deteriorate,” Stepp related.
Alternate byways include Underhill Avenue and routes 100, 118, 129 and 134. The northbound entrance to the Taconic at route 134 will be inaccessible. Information regarding current travel conditions are available at www.511NY.org and via phone 511.
