Multiple Traffic Stoppages on I-95 and North Avenue Will Be Required Nightly to Install Steel as Part $31.8 Million Bridge Replacement Project

Two Lanes in Each Direction to be Closed on I-95 at Night to Safely Facilitate Work Activities

North Avenue Bridge to Be Reduced to One-Way Alternating Traffic Overnight

Steel Work Will Occur Intermittently Over the Next Six Weeks During the Day and/or Night

Motorists are Encouraged to Check the Thruway’s Social Media Pages for Up-to-Date Lane Closure Information and Seek Alternative Routes During Work Hours

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the continued progress of the North Avenue Bridge replacement project with steel installation over the New England Thruway (I-95) in New Rochelle in Westchester County is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 17, and occur in phases over the next six weeks both during the day and/or at night. The overnight work will require multiple lane closures and traffic stops on I-95 and North Avenue.

The $31.8 million project to replace the 65-year-old North Avenue bridge with a modern span began in January 2023, with the majority of construction occurring during the day. The three-year project is currently in the first of its three stages, which provides for two lanes of traffic in the center of the existing bridge so its outermost components can be removed, and part of the new crossing built, while maintaining access to downtown.

To reduce impacts to traffic both on the highway and within the city, the upcoming installation of the superstructure will be completed at night. This approach facilitates the safety of the project’s workers and motorists.

Steel installation on the south side of the bridge (closest to Burling Lane) is scheduled to occur on weeknights, beginning Monday, June 17, and last approximately two weeks. Crews will resume nighttime steel activities soon after the Fourth of July holiday weekend on the north side of the bridge (closest to Garden Street).

The public should check the Thruway Authority’s Facebook and X accounts for the latest travel advisories.

During the upcoming overnight work, the two left lanes in each direction on I-95 will be closed on weeknights, starting as early as 10 p.m. with full reopening by 5 a.m. North Avenue will transition to a one-way alternating traffic pattern after 11 p.m. to no later than 5 a.m. New Rochelle Police and certified flaggers will be on site to direct motorists.

Multiple traffic stops lasting up to 20 minutes will take place concurrently on I-95 and North Avenue to allow two cranes to safely lift the 130-foot-long steel girders, and other large steel segments from flatbed trucks stationed in the closed lane on North Avenue.

Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes around the work zone to avoid delays starting after 9 p.m. on work nights.

Variable message signs on North Avenue and in the vicinity are advising motorists of the upcoming night work.

Since March 2023, a new traffic pattern has been in place to allow cars, buses, and other vehicles with three axles or less to use two lanes in the center of the bridge. Left turns from North Avenue to Garden Street remain prohibited, as are left turns from Garden Street to North Avenue. Due to space constraints, trucks with four or more axles are not allowed in the construction zone; a signed truck detour is in place.

Here’s a summary of traffic flow during Stage 1:

• First responders, cars, buses, delivery trucks, and vehicles with three axles or less have access to the bridge at all times.
• Burling Lane between North Avenue and May Street will remain closed for the duration of the project.
• The left-turn lane on Station Plaza North is part of the work zone; two lanes remain open to traffic and motorists can continue to turn left onto North Avenue.
• Pedestrian/bicycle traffic should use the walkway over I-95 connecting at Burling Lane and the train station throughout the project.
• All local businesses remain accessible.

Working closely with New Rochelle officials, Thruway Authority engineers determined the North Avenue bridge should be replaced in three stages to maintain access to the heart of the city while minimizing impacts to residents, businesses, and motorists.

When the project is substantially completed in 2025, the new bridge will be wider, improve traffic flow on nearby roads, and raise its vertical clearance over I-95 to 16 feet 6 inches from the current height of 14 feet 3 inches. The North Avenue bridge opened in 1958 and connects North Avenue, Garden Street, Burling Lane, and Station Plaza North. Approximately 7.3 million vehicles travel the bridge each year.

Stage 1 of the project includes the construction of new substructures, erection of steel and placement of concrete decks. Stage 2 will allow for the remainder of the old bridge to be removed and rebuilt, while Stage 3 will move vehicles onto the new five-lane bridge so sidewalks, paving, decorative lighting, and other work can be completed. Burling Lane will be converted to a one-way road for westbound traffic during this stage.

J. D’Annunzio & Sons, Inc., is the project contractor.

Digital message boards have been placed around the work zone to advise motorists and pedestrians about the project. Physical signs have also been installed in the work zone and in the vicinity to alert motorists and pedestrians about the various detours.

For additional project information, photos and maps, visit the project page on the Thruway Authority’s website.

Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted in work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding a work zone. 

The Authority’s 2024 Budget invests a total of $451 million to support its Capital Program, which is expected to invest $2.4 billion into capital projects over the next five years—a $500 million increase following the recently enacted toll adjustment. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately half of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 lane miles as well as projects on approximately 90 of Thruway’s 817 bridges. Approximately $377.4 million is being invested in infrastructure projects in the Hudson Valley from 2024 to 2028 as part of the Thruway Authority’s Capital Program.

The Authority operates and maintains one of the safest, low-cost superhighways in the nation. The 570-mile Thruway system is funded by toll dollars, not state or local taxes. 

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority's interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway. 

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