Dutchess County Announces Completion of Two Bridge Replacement Projects

Work that began earlier this year to replace two bridges in Pine Plains and Pleasant Valley has been finished, according to the Dutchess County Department of Public Works.

The Patchin Mills Bridge, located off of Hoffman Road in Pine Plains, which crosses the Shekomeko Creek were replaced due to what the county called "significant structural deficiencies."

The work included replacing what had been two bridges with a single two-span bridge including new stone-faced parapets, a bridge rail, lighting, and other improvements. The county estimated that more than 500 vehicles will cross the bridge and said the work was done "on time and under budget."

The Pleasant Valley work was done "due to significant deterioration of the bridge's substructure, including the foundation." While the work was delayed, the finished product featured several safety improvements, including a new bridge rail and widening of the bridge structure. North Avenue and Sherow Avenue were also realigned to the east to improve the sight distance at the intersection of both roads. North Avenue was also raised four feet to help improve driver safety during inclement weather.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro praised the work on both projects at the end of a busy year.

"As our DPW Engineering Division team finishes up the last bridge and road projects of the season, we extend our thanks for their tireless efforts over the last several months to complete these projects on schedule and within or under budget," Molinaro said. "These improvements to our highway infrastructure will have a lasting impact on the overall safety and ride-ability of our county's roadway system for years to come."