Governor Hochul Announces Start of $24.5 Million Project to Replace Two Bridges Connecting Interstates 84 and 684

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work is underway on a $24.5 million project to replace two 59-year-old bridges along the ramp from Interstate 84 westbound to Interstate 684 southbound in the Town of Southeast, Putnam County. The project will replace the aging structures with wider, more resilient bridges that will enhance safety and ensure continued smooth travel along this key gateway that links New England and the lower Hudson Valley. Additionally, environmentally friendly engineering practices will be utilized to boost sustainability and protect local ecosystems.

"This project is yet another example of our ongoing commitment to make critical infrastructure investments throughout the Hudson Valley that focus on the needs of our communities, move our economy forward, and improve quality of life," Governor Hochul said. "By replacing these outdated bridges, we are modernizing a key junction that New Yorkers depend on every day, ensuring that people and goods remain on the move and that our communities continue to grow and prosper."

The work includes the replacement of two bridges - one over Interstate 84 and the other over Interstate 684. The new bridges will allow for more efficient, wider ramps with additional shoulder width to provide space for emergency vehicles and meet federal safety standards. The new bridges will also have clearances of 16 feet, 6 inches - higher than the original structures - aligning them with modern interstate standards and reducing the potential for bridge strikes.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "As the Department of Transportation plans and builds for the future, we are using every tool in the toolbox to drive innovation and create more resilient structures that modernize New York's transportation network while creating a more sustainable environment for all of us. These projects exemplify Governor Hochul's steadfast and historic commitment to invest in transportation infrastructure here in the Hudson Valley and all across New York State."

As part of the Department's commitment to environmental stewardship, five eco-friendly vegetation swales, which are gently sloping landscape channels lined with dense vegetation, will be installed along the ramps to manage stormwater runoff, screen sediment, filter pollutants, and allow water to naturally soak into the ground. Additionally, the swales will reduce the flow of water along travel lanes during storms, reducing the risk of roadway closures and protecting bridge foundations from long-term erosion. The new spans will also feature jointless bridge decks to lessen noise pollution, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and create a smoother riding surface. Warm mix asphalt will also be utilized, and other materials onsite will be recycled and reused as applicable.

While construction is underway, motorists should expect continuous use of the ramp with staged work and lane shifts. Interstates 84 and 684 travelers should expect several overnight closures for demolition work. The bridge over Interstate 684 is expected to be completed in 2027 and the bridge over Interstate 84 is anticipated by 2028.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "The bridges connecting I-84 westbound to I-684 southbound are vital connectors between the Hudson Valley and New England. I was proud to deliver more than $22 million from my Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Law to replace these outdated bridges for the people of Putnam County. The new, modern bridges will boost resiliency and ensure smoother and safer travel along this key gateway, all while creating good-paying construction jobs. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's work putting federal dollars to good use, paving the way for a safer future in the Hudson Valley."

State Senator Pete Harckham said, "Maintaining important infrastructure, like our roadways and bridges, is a top priority of mine, as we continue the work to strengthen New York's economy. The bridge replacement project at the intersection of I-84 and I-684 is much needed and will eliminate a problematic traffic bottleneck. I appreciate Governor Hochul, my colleagues in the State Legislature and the Department of Transportation for remaining committed to transportation safety and our future economic growth."

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said, "Our roads and bridges are more than pavement and steel. They are the connections that safely link Putnam County families to our schools, hospitals, parks, businesses, and everything else that makes life here possible. They bring visitors to the Hudson Valley, support economic development, and give people the confidence to invest in New York. At the county level, we have worked diligently to maintain and improve our local infrastructure, and I am proud that Putnam County currently reports zero red-flag bridges. At the same time, Interstates 84 and 684 remain critical corridors for our residents, commuters, and local economy. I appreciate Governor Hochul, our State Legislators, and the State Department of Transportation for their commitment to replacing aging infrastructure, improving safety and reliability, and ensuring these heavily traveled roadways continue to serve our region for decades to come."

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