For Immediate Release: 09/29/2020
Contact: Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300 | public.info@thruway.ny.gov
THRUWAY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF GRACE CHURCH STREET BRIDGE OVER I-95 AS PART OF “LAST MILE” INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
Grace Church Street Bridge Over I-95 Replaced with Modern Structure
Numerous Safety Upgrades Included in Project
The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the completion of the Grace Church Street Bridge (milepost 14.46) over the New England Thruway (I-95) in Westchester County. The bridge was replaced as part of the $135 million infrastructure project known as the “Last Mile," which focuses on the one-mile stretch from exit 22 (Port Chester- Rye- Midland Avenue) to the Connecticut state line.
“The completion of the new Grace Church Street Bridge is an important milestone in the Last Mile project,” Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew J. Driscoll said. “Motorists can now travel over a new bridge built to modern standards, and the overall project is one step closer to completion.”
The original structure was built in 1956 and connects the Village of Port Chester and the City of Rye. More than 5,000 motorists travel over the bridge every day.
During the design phase, the Thruway Authority worked closely with the two communities to identify ways to minimize the traffic impact to local residents. Feedback received was taken into consideration, and construction on the bridge took place in two phases which allowed motorists to continue using the bridge during construction.
Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am pleased to see the completion and reopening of the Grace Church Street Bridge. This and the larger Last Mile project will improve drivers' safety and experiences along the roadway. Thank you to the Thruway Authority and Governor Andrew Cuomo for prioritizing this important work. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the Governor to invest in our roads and bridges, even in these difficult times.”
Assembly Member Steven Otis said, “The Grace Church Street Bridge provides an important connection for Port Chester and Rye residents and workers. The good news is that the fully reopened bridge was finished on schedule, includes safety improvements for pedestrians and vehicles and was constructed keeping one lane open at the request of the two communities. Thanks go to Governor Cuomo, Executive Director Matt Driscoll, the staff of the NYS Thruway Authority, the contractor ECCO lll Enterprises and all the workers who rebuilt the bridge and are continuing towards completion of the Last Mile project."
Village of Port Chester Mayor Richard Falanka said, “The Grace Church Street Bridge is a vital connector between Port Chester and Rye. This modern structure will improve the travel experience for thousands of motorists who travel over the bridge every day. We thank the Thruway Authority for their partnership and taking residents feedback into consideration for the construction schedule of the new bridge. We look forward to the full completion of the Last Mile project and all of the improvements along this corridor.”
Village of Port Chester Village Manager Christopher Steers said, “The on-time completion of the new Grace Church Street Bridge is a welcome development for the people of Port Chester. As construction on the Last Mile project continues in other areas on I-95, we are pleased the Grace Church Street Bridge work is complete and the bridge open to traffic.”
The new bridge consists of approximately 367 tons of all-American steel and required the removal of approximately 1,400 cubic yards of rock which to lengthen the spans of the bridge. The longer spans permit the realignment of the ramp from Midland Avenue to connect directly to I-95 northbound, and provides room for wider shoulders in both directions of I-95 when the Last Mile project is complete. The project also includes numerous safety upgrades including new guiderail, pedestrian fencing and increased vertical clearance over I-95.
ECCO III Enterprises Inc. from Yonkers, NY was awarded the contract for the Last Mile project, which includes several ramp upgrades and reconfigurations, reconstruction of the I-95 mainline, bridge replacement and rehabilitations, and the installation of noise walls and visual barriers.
The Last Mile project is scheduled to be complete in 2021.
For additional information on the project, visit the Thruway Authority’s website.
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