New North Ave Bridge Traffic Pattern Starts This Week In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Getting around New Rochelle will be a little different from what we're used to starting this week.

Commuters on I-95 will likely notice the changes as well.

The New York State Thruway Authority announced on Monday that a new traffic pattern is scheduled to take effect this Wednesday, on the North Avenue bridge over the New England Thruway (I-95) in New Rochelle.

The announcement represents the kickoff of Stage 1 of the three-year, $31.8 million bridge project.

SEE ALSO: $31.8M North Ave. Bridge Project Over I-95 In New Rochelle Kicks Off

In order for the outer portions of the existing bridge to be removed and replaced, the new traffic pattern will allow cars, buses and other vehicles with three axles or less to use two lanes in the center of the bridge (one in each direction). First responders will have access to the bridge at all times.

Additionally, left turns from North Avenue to Garden Street will be prohibited, as will left turns from Garden Street to North Avenue. Drivers should follow the posted detours, allow for extra time due to the new lane reductions or consider taking alternate routes.

Due to space constraints, trucks with four or more axles will not be permitted to travel through the construction zone. A signed truck detour will be provided.

Here’s what drivers and residents can expect during Stage 1:

• First responders, cars, buses, delivery trucks, and vehicles with three axles or less will have access to the bridge at all times.
• Left turns from North Avenue to Garden Street are prohibited; a detour will be provided using Lockwood Avenue to Memorial Highway.
• Left turns from Garden Street to North Avenue are prohibited; a detour will be provided using Cedar Street to Huguenot Street.
• Due to space constraints, vehicles with more than three axles are not permitted through the construction zone. A truck detour will be provided.
• Burling Lane between North Avenue and May Street is closed for the duration of the project.
• The left-turn lane on Station Plaza North is part of the work zone; two lanes will remain open to traffic and drivers can continue to turn left onto North Avenue.
• Pedestrian/bicycle traffic will use the walkway over I-95 connecting at Burling Lane and the train station throughout the project.
• All local businesses will remain accessible.

In collaboration with New Rochelle officials, Thruway Authority engineers determined the replacement of the North Avenue bridge should be completed in three stages to maintain access to the heart of the city while minimizing possible impacts to local residents, businesses and drivers. When the project is completed in 2025, the new bridge will be wider, improve traffic flow on nearby roads, and have a higher vertical clearance over I-95. The North Avenue bridge first opened in 1958 and connects North Avenue, Garden Street, Burling Lane and Station Plaza North. Approximately 7.3 million vehicles travel on the bridge each year.

Stage 1 of the project will also include the construction of new substructures, erection of steel and placement of concrete decks. Stage 2 will move vehicles to two lanes on the new outer bridge sections so the rest of the old bridge can be removed and rebuilt, while Stage 3 will move vehicles to the center of the new five-lane bridge so sidewalks, paving, decorative lighting and other work can be completed. Burling Lane will be converted to a one-way road for westbound traffic during this stage.

Most of the construction will take place during the day. Overhead work such as bridge deck and steel removal that require highway lane closures will occur at night for the safety of workers and to limit effects on traffic.

Digital message boards have been placed around the work zone to advise drivers and pedestrians about the project. Physical signs have also been installed in the work zone and in the area to alert drivers and pedestrians about the various detours.

For additional information and maps, visit the Thruway Authority's project page, which will be regularly updated.

Drivers may come across lane closures on the New England Thruway along with traffic shifts and stoppages while construction is underway. Drivers should follow the posted work zone speed limits and are reminded that 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.

For up-to-date travel information, drivers are encouraged to download the Thruway’s mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides drivers with direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while traveling. Drivers can also visit the Thruway Authority's interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras.