Governor Hochul Announces Completion of $19.45 Million Project to Replace Ravensdale Road Bridge in Hastings-on-Hudson

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work is complete on a $19.45 million project to replace the Ravensdale Road bridge over the Saw Mill River Parkway in the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, Westchester County. The new bridge improves travel and enhances safety and resiliency along a vital link between the village and the Westchester communities to the east of the Saw Mill River Parkway. The project also provides new and improved pedestrian and bicycle access to the popular South County Trailway, which also runs underneath the span.

"By modernizing our transportation network, New York State will be able to support all modes of travel, protect our environment and provide communities with the infrastructure they need to grow and prosper," Governor Hochul said. "This project will ensure that a crucial road to the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson remains open and accessible for many years to come, while also providing new recreational opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians."

The Ravensdale Road Bridge is the only crossing over the Saw Mill River Parkway within the village. The project, which began in the spring of 2020, replaced the original two-span structure that was built in 1945 with a new, single span bridge featuring six-foot shoulders and five-foot sidewalks on each side to better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. The new bridge also features a concrete barrier, decorative railings and ornamental bridge lighting that was suggested by the community.

As part of the project, the State Department of Transportation also rehabilitated an abandoned bridge located just to the north of the Ravensdale Road Bridge and used it to create a first-ever, direct link between the village and the South County Trailway. The rehabilitated bridge is now part of a new, 900-foot-long access path that connects to the Trailway from the Ravensdale Road/Jackson Avenue and State Route 9A (Saw Mill River Road) intersection.

The South County Trailway runs through Westchester County between Yonkers and Greenburgh, connecting Van Cortlandt Park and Tarrytown Lakes Park. It's part of a four-trail system that includes Old Putnam Trail to the south and the North County Trailway and Putnam Trailway to the north. They combine for 45 miles of mostly off-road travel along an old railroad corridor.

A new drainage system was also constructed to help safeguard the environment and prevent flooding along Ravensdale Road. A stormwater pond was also created to reduce flooding, erosion and pollution from rain events. New landscaping - including approximately 100 deciduous trees, shrubs, and plants - was added and a landscaped berm was also constructed to help protect area residents from roadway noise.

In order to reduce the project's environmental impacts, multiple recycling techniques were employed during construction, including the reuse of granular materials for walls and various other needs in the project scope. Concrete from the old bridge was also used in the construction of a ramp for another project in Westchester County.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The completion of this project is a huge step forward for the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson and exemplifies New York State Department of Transportation's commitment to work together with local communities to not just build back our aging infrastructure but to build it back better and create modern transportation systems that are more resilient and benefit all modes of travel. This new bridge along Ravensdale Road will ensure that a key access road to the village remains open for many years to come while also providing improved access to a popular local trail system that will expand opportunities for pedestrians, hikers and bikers."

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, "The completion of this new bridge at the start of the summer season will allow families a safe space for pedestrian and bicycle access, while connecting communities and supporting businesses in the surrounding areas. I am proud of the work that was done to secure this critical investment for Hastings-on-Hudson and Westchester County and was glad to help secure funding for this project. It is an investment that our community will enjoy for decades to come. I will continue fighting for local infrastructure projects that continue to enrich our district."

Assemblymember Thomas Abinati said, "I am proud to be part of the New York team led by Governor Kathy Hochul that is rebuilding our roads and bridges. The new Ravensdale Road Bridge is a model for connecting communities. It is a modern appropriately styled structure that enhances safety and eases pedestrian and bicycle access to the South County Trailway. It represents $19.45 million well spent."

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "Ensuring safe access to all Westchester County has to offer while also creating, or re-establishing, connections among communities is of paramount importance to residents and visitors alike. Thanks to Governor Hochul and her administration, the completion of this bridge, which is a critical link for residents of Hastings, Ardsley & Greenburgh, accomplishes both of these goals. Additionally, as we continue to see the South County Trailway so greatly utilized, the completion of this vital connector is welcome news."

Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner said, "I would like to thank the NYS DOT, the Governor and our state lawmakers for replacing the Ravensdale Road bridge. This is an important bridge that connects Hastings with unincorporated Greenburgh and provides Westchester residents with an important link to get to the East of the Saw Mill River Parkway. I'm an avid cyclist, enjoy the access to the Ravensdale bridge from the spectacular South County trail. Prior to construction, I thought the construction would have been a nightmare with many complaints. But, during the construction process received very few complaints from residents and almost everyone I speak with who uses the bridge and link to the trail loves this infrastructure enhancement. It's important that old bridges be replaced or rebuilt if there are structural issues. A big thank you to NYS for being proactive and rebuilding this important bridge."

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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