$10.9 Million Route 6 Bridge Project Complete In Brewster

BREWSTER, NY — The new Carmel Avenue bridge bringing Route 6 into Brewster from the west has been officially completed, state officials announced at the end of June.

The $10.9 million project tore down the crumbling old bridge, which was so deteriorated it had been off-limits to pedestrians for years, and reworked the difficult old intersection, which Southeast Town Supervisor Tony Hay described as "confusing and chaotic."

"Repairing our outdated infrastructure, like our bridges and roads, is crucial to ensuring that our small towns all across New York State can thrive and grow," Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado said in the news release.

The new bridge, built 75 feet to the south by taking up part of a nearby cul-de-sac and putting several houses directly on Route 6, now creates a direct intersection with Michael Neuner Drive.

The project, which began in the fall of 2019, replaced the existing three-span bridge carrying U.S. Route 6 over the Metro-North Railroad with a modern, single-span, steel girder bridge with a concrete deck that, officials said, will reduce maintenance costs.

The new bridge also has wider shoulders and pedestrian walkways. The new traffic signal, and crosswalks on two sides, were installed at the intersection of Route 6 and Michael Neuner Drive.

To help with the aesthetics, NYSDOT landscape architects put in new landscaping, which included about 75 trees and 250 shrubs. Historical stone pillars were raised to accommodate the new elevation of the adjacent roadway.

A new drainage system was constructed project-wide, including the installation of a new flow control structure and a new stormwater treatment system to help safeguard the environment. Underground utility work included the installation of water, sewer, gas, and communication lines across the new bridge, as well as the replacement of existing underground utility connections adjacent to the bridge.

Brewster Mayor James Schoenig praised the simpler, safer intersection.

"The Village of Brewster is in the process of a major revitalization in the form of a transit-oriented development at the heart of the Village, and the entrances to this area set a precedent for what is to come in the future," he said. "The Route 6 Bridge is the newest entry point that welcomes people to our community. The Village of Brewster is pleased to have a more cohesive and safe intersection that will serve as an entrance to the Village for those traveling on Route 6. The bridge connects the neighboring towns and our Village residents, but it also acts as the bridge to bring people, goods, and services safely to the soon-to-be newly upgraded Village of Brewster."

Hay said work to improve traffic flow in the village will continue.