For the next six months, motorists traveling between Rosendale and Stone Ridge will need to use alternate routes to Route 213 where it passes through High Falls. Effective 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, the New York State Department of Transportation (COT) began dismantling the steel girder bridge spanning the Rondout Creek just upstream from the hamlet’s eponymous waterfall. Replacement of the 160-foot span, originally built in 1931, is expected to take six months, according to the official website of the office of governor Andrew Cuomo.
Located on Route 213 between Berme Road and Lucas Turnpike, the unnamed bridge is scheduled to remain closed until June 30. Traffic headed to or from points southwest, such as Accord and Ellenville, will be detoured onto Berme Road. Traffic northbound onto Lucas Avenue, to and from Hurley and Kingston, will be rerouted onto Route 213 further east via Sawdust Avenue (County Route 26). Detour signs will be posted, say DOT officials, but commuting delays should be anticipated.
According to Marbletown’s town supervisor, Michael Warren, the 85-year-old bridge, built in the through-truss style on wooden pilings that have severely deteriorated, will be completely replaced. The new structure will be significantly wider, with no overhead superstructure and a new sidewalk, affording motorists and pedestrians alike a clearer view of the scenic falls.
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