County Funds Approved to Repair Pelham Drawbridge

Funding to repair a vital bridge between Pelham and Mount Vernon was approved with bipartisan support by the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Bond Acts in the amount $2.85 million have been set aside for the Fulton Avenue Drawbridge.

That is in addition to the $9.37 million already spent on the bridge since 2012, according to information provided from the Board of Legislators.

The bridge was built in 1974, and approximately 12,000 cars go over the span every day.

Funding will finance replacement of steel members and piers, rehabilitation of wearing surfaces, painting, rebalancing of bascule spans, rehabilitation of mechanical and electrical components and renovation and/or replacement of metal bulkheads for riverbank protection.

Legislator Jim Maisano, R-New Rochelle, said his office has received numerous complaints about the bridge being closed in the past.

“This is a short bridge, but it is very important for commuters and local businesses,” he said.

The bridge is at the site of major retail stores, including BJ’s Wholesale Club, Fairway and Modell’s.

Photo credit: Courtesy.