Quaker Bridge in the town of Cortlandt has closed indefinitely
The one-lane bridge has closed indefinitely after 130 years.
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Drivers who use Quaker Bridge in the Town of Cortlandt will have to find alternative routes for the foreseeable future.
The one-lane bridge has closed indefinitely after 130 years.
This is causing difficulty for residents like John Bernard, who will now have a longer commute to enter the Village of Croton-on-Hudson from the opposite end.
"Anytime I want to go anywhere, it adds a minimum of a couple miles to the trip," said Bernard. "It's not crippling. It's just a pain."
Bernard says there was little notice given about the closure, while other residents are concerned over how long the bridge will be out of service.
Officials say this bridge closure was long overdue, due to regulations from New York state on weight regulations and overall safety concerns.
Hernane De Almeida, with the Westchester County Public Works Department, had much to say regarding the bridge's current state.
"Over the years, the bridge weight rating has been lowered little by little. As everything in life does, these bridges degrade overtime and this particular one has gotten to the end of its useful life."
Officials also want to ensure that each municipalities' police departments and fire departments are aware and prepared to make the proper adjustments for any future emergencies.
A new bridge design is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025, but in the meantime, residents are being asked to look into alternative routes.
"I hope it gets fixed," said Croton-on-Hudson resident Sonia Ferrante, "and people can actually use it and get to and from town, to and from work, and to and from school."
As for concerns on whether or not pedestrian traffic is allowed at this time, officials are discouraging any foot traffic on the bridge.
