Work continues to take place — on budget and on schedule — for the new Carmine Liberta Bridge in New Paltz. Construction of abutments on both sides of the Wallkill has been completed, cable and electric poles and lines have been relocated, sidewalks on the current bridge are now closed and the Carmine Liberta plaque is being refurbished.
According to Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, a crane will be on site beginning July 7 to install the temporary bridge. Traffic will remain two lanes; the posted speed limit will be 25 mph. Traffic coming off Huguenot Street will become right-turn only. The transition of traffic to the temporary bridge is anticipated to take place the week of July 25, and the existing bridge is scheduled for demolition the week of August 1.
The new Wallkill River bridge will be an arched, Cambridge truss bridge with a weathered, natural steel finish. Lighting for the bridge’s cantilevered sidewalk will be luxrail-style LED handrail lighting. Lighting above the bridge will be minimalistic — not stylistic — and affordable. The total cost is estimated to be approximately $2.5 million.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience,” said Hein. “In the end, we expect to create an open and transformative public space, improving pedestrian and bicycle access with wider, safer lanes and a viewing platform for this iconic view. We are on budget and on schedule.”
Hein said the project is slated for completion by December of 2016.
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