August 18, 2000

Contact: Geoff Ryan (718/595-6600)

Temporary Closing Of Kisco River Bridge

Commissioner Joel A. Miele Sr., P.E., of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that the Kisco River Bridge "D" on Lake Road in the Town of New Castle, Westchester County, would remain closed until sometime in November – two months later than anticipated. DEP is reconstructing the bridge as part of its comprehensive infrastructure renovation program in the watersheds of its upstate reservoirs.

"We had planned to leave the bridge's original concrete wing walls in place," said Commissioner Miele. "After work started at the site, however, we discovered that the wing walls were deteriorated and required replacement. I regret any inconvenience this delay may cause users of the Kisco River Bridge."

The original structure was built in 1905, and substantial improvements were made in 1928. Since then there have been dramatic increases in the numbers and sizes of vehicles traveling the roads and bridges of the watershed, and it is now time to bring the bridge into conformity with modern highway engineering and safety standards.

Signs designating the closing of the bridge and the most convenient detour have been installed at appropriate locations. The detour route starts at Croton Lake Road, just north of the bridge, to West Main Street and Millwood Road (Route 133), to Seven Bridges Road, to Sawmill River Road (Route 100). The length of the detour is approximately six miles; and involves approximately 10 to 12 minutes of extra travel time. To accommodate residents of Lake Road, the road itself will remain open on both sides of the bridge for local access only.

Bridge "D" crosses over the Kisco River as it flows into the New Croton Reservoir. The City's responsibility for maintenance of this and ten other bridges in Westchester County dates back to the period when the new Croton Water Supply System was developed between 1870 and 1911. The City has scheduled most of its Westchester County bridges for reconstruction or major improvements as part of DEP's continuing program to upgrade infrastructure throughout its upstate water supply system.