Bear Mountain Bridge Set For Construction Upgrades

After celebrating its centennial last year, the Bear Mountain Bridge is set to undergo construction upgrades.

The Bear Mountain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Hudson River in New York State. It connects the west and east banks of the river, specifically linking the town of Bear Mountain (on the west side) to the town of Cortlandt (on the east side). It is located in the scenic Hudson Highlands region, a popular area for hiking, outdoor activities, and enjoying the natural beauty of the river and surrounding mountains.

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We reported on the centennial celebration of The Bear Mountain Bridge last November (which originally opened on November 27, 1924). It was designed to provide a direct route for motorists traveling between the west and east sides of the river and to improve access to the Bear Mountain area. the 100 year celebration included a Centennial Motorcade and a viewing of Bear Mountain Bridge: the First 100 Years (a documentary film) at he Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in Peekskill, NY.

The construction of the Bear Mountain Bridge, a suspension bridge between Bear Mountain and Anthony's Nose across the Hudson River in New York State, circa 1923. At the time of its completion, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. In 2018, it was ceremonially renamed the Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bridge. (Photo by Fotograms/FPG/Getty Images)

Construction Upgrades Set For Bear Mountain Bridge

News12 Hudson Valley reports that state officials have unveiled plans for major upgrades to the historic Bear Mountain Bridge with work expected to start in early 2026 and the project completed by the fall of 2027. Bridge Authority officials say the plan is to replace the aging bridge deck, upgrade concrete barriers, widen sidewalks and improve accessibility.

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Another upgrade includes building climb deterrent fencing with people at a recent meeting stressing dthe importance of installing more devices to prevent suicides. More public meetings are planned before the start of construction according to the report. The 2,255-foot-long span not only serves millions of vehicles each year but also pedestrians and cyclists, and planners say at least one pedestrian sidewalk will remain open during construction.

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There are hundreds of bridges all across Upstate New York. Here is a sample of some of the most interesting. They run from a bridge that is visited by nearly a million people each year, to the oldest covered bridge in the United States.

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio