The pedestrian and bicycling walkway on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge will now be open around the clock, the New York State Bridge Authority announced today.
The Authority made the move expecting to help area residents better use alternative forms of transportation to travel between two of the mid-Hudson region’s major communities. The expanded hours will also assist pedestrian and bicycle commuters utilizing the Metro-North train station in Beacon or commuting to work between the two sides of the bridge, especially those who work during early morning or night shifts.
The change in operating hours comes after the Authority received a number of public comments in favor of expanding pedestrian hours at Newburgh-Beacon. Reasons cited by the public for increased hours included the environmental and health benefits of increased walking and cycling, offering a free and consistent transportation option for those without vehicles, as well as improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity within the region.
The Authority has ensured that the pedestrian walkway will be properly lit according to safety standards. The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge has 24/7 on-site security staffing, as well as remote security monitoring through the Authority’s Command Center. The Authority reserves the right to temporarily close its pedestrian walkways due to weather, safety, and/or maintenance-related activity.
Currently, the hours of operation at the pedestrian facilities at the Authority’s other vehicular bridges remain dawn to dusk. The Authority staff and Board of Commissioners will continue to evaluate the pedestrian and cycling needs of each facility in light of operational considerations and set appropriate hours of operation accordingly.
