Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan, Legislature Chair Tracey Bartels and Gardiner Town Supervisor Marybeth Majestic have announced the beginning of work on the McKinstry Bridge in Gardiner that has been closed since 2020.
The McKinstry Bridge is a vital roadway in Ulster County, and returning it to its former glory as an access and alternative route and viewing spot for the Wallkill River, with improvements, has been a priority of my 2022 Executive Budget,” Ryan said. “This is part of a broader plan to make major investments in maintaining and enhancing our infrastructure — dedicating $18.2 million to improve county roads and bridges, with $2.8 million to address instabilities and reopen the McKinstry Bridge.”
The McKinstry Bridge in Gardiner has been under observation for some time. Cracks in the asphalt had etched tectonic plates that had sunken in some areas and crumbled in others, and rust had eaten through parts of the steel beams. Hurricane Irene also inflicted damage, causing a temporary closure in 2011. Since then, the weight limit on the bridge progressively decreased in tonnage until it was officially closed to foot traffic to ensure the safety of Ulster County residents. Work on the McKinstry Bridge has already commenced and the bridge is anticipated to re-open at the end of 2022.
“I am pleased to finally see work beginning on the McKinstry Road bridge replacement after being closed for over a year,” Town of Gardiner Supervisor Marybeth Majestic said. “I look forward to the new bridge opening by the end of 2022.”
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