New York bridge project utilizes recycled stone

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Aug 9. that work has been completed on a $28.9 million project to construct a new bridge over the Taconic State Parkway in Putnam Valley. The project, which also included the construction of ramps to get on and off the parkway, 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 governor’s office stated in a release.

 "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," Gov. Cuomo says.  "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 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 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 also installed as part of the project. To accommodate the new bridge and ramps, wetlands were relocated within the project area.