Mocobizscene-The New York State Thruway Authority announced that the northbound lanes of I-87, stretching from exit 17 in Orange County (Newburgh) to exit 18 in Ulster County (New Paltz), will be completely closed to all traffic starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6. This closure, expected to last for a minimum of 12 hours, is necessary to ensure the safe removal of a damaged section of the Brookside Road overpass in New Paltz, which spans over the northbound lanes.
The Plattekill Service Area will be temporarily closed for maintenance. If you are planning to travel in the area during this time, it is recommended to find alternative routes or consider postponing your travel plans.
According to officials, the overpass has suffered significant damage to its supporting steel due to repeated strikes. As a result, the overpass’s load-bearing capacity has been reduced.
The Brookside Road bridge, built in 1954, is a four-span continuous four-girder bridge that serves as a vital transportation link over the Thruway in the town of New Paltz. This bridge accommodates one lane of traffic in each direction, providing a crucial connection for commuters and travelers alike.
The vertical clearance of the bridge was originally 14.2 feet but has been reduced to 14 feet due to several bridge strikes in both directions. One such incident occurred on Monday, Oct. 30, when a truck carrying a forklift struck the girders above the northbound lanes.
The work is planned to be carried out on Saturday night into Sunday morning, when traffic volumes are at their lowest, in order to minimize disruptions for Thruway motorists. The closure of all northbound lanes north of exit 17 (Newburgh – Scranton – I-84 – Routes 17K and 300) is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6. These lanes are expected to remain closed for a minimum of 12 hours.
The construction zone on the northbound Thruway is anticipated to be completed by the following morning, allowing for the reopening of the road. However, during this time, traffic will be limited to only one travel lane instead of the usual two.
Motorists can anticipate slower speeds on Routes 9W and 299 and may experience significant delays. Detour signs will be prominently displayed every two to three miles along the alternate route.
If you want to avoid this area altogether, it’s best to consider taking alternative routes, as it will help you bypass any potential traffic congestion.
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