Bridge Demolished, Cuomo On Hand to Witness Explosion (WATCH)

MARBLETOWN, NY — One minute there was a bridge over Rondout Creek on Route 213 in the Town of Marbletown, and a few seconds later — thanks to explosives — it was gone.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo was in Ulster County Wednesday to witness the demolition of the 275-foot, three-span structure. It will be replaced with a new single-span 230-foot structural steel bridge with a reinforced concrete deck and abutments founded on piles.

This is one of six state-owned bridges in Ulster County being replaced as part of a $27 million design-build contract.

Cuomo said this was an important step toward building a new, state-of-the-art bridges that will replace aging structures in the state.

“For too long state government was unwilling to take on ambitious projects — opting instead to make repairs which amounted to nothing more than temporary fixes to reoccurring problems,” he said. “The Empire Bridge program and every infrastructure project we take on show that New York is getting things done, and building our future for future generations to come.”

The new Route 213 bridge will cost $12.4 million.

Sidewalks will be built so pedestrians can get from the bridge to view the nearby waterfall.

Prior to Wednesday’s demolition, the bridge decking was removed to limit the amount of dust and debris that would fall into the creek.

The bridge will remain closed with a detour in place during construction.

It is expected to be open to traffic by this summer.

Photo credit: Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office.