New Deck Coming To Newburgh-Beacon Bridge In 2020

A much needed new deck is coming to the northern span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge in 2020 and along with it rising tolls and probably some traffic during construction.

The Times Herald-Record reports the redecking plan is part of the New York State Bridge Authorities capital investment plan for 2020-24. Along with upgrades to existing structures they are planning to move all five Hudson River crossings to strictly electronic tolling.

As far as the cost and timeline for rising tolls that has yet to be determined. The additional revenue is needed to help pay for the project. The $94 million price tag is just the tip of the iceberg long term as the Bridge Authority expects to have to redeck four other bridges through 2029.

The redecking of the south span was just finished in 2015. The north span of the 'Hamilton Fish' Newburgh Beacon Bridge was originally opened to the public on November 2, 1963, while the south span opened on November 1st, 1980. The north span was built at a cost of just under $20 million while the south span cost $93 million. It is the most traveled of the New York State Bridge Authorities' bridges with more than 25 million cars a year.

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