Bridge guardrails redesigned
Guardrails at the Eddyville Bridge have been redesigned after concerns were raised that the barriers, which were installed in the recent course of improvements during a recent renovation of the bridge, had made it difficult for people to access a bridge walkway, officials said.
Gina DiSarro, a public information officer for the state Department of Transportation, said walkway access is now easier at the Eddyville Bridge site where a safety-improvement project is ongoing.
In an email, DiSarro stated that the state agency had “redesigned the railing at each approach to allow for access to the sidewalks on the outside of the bridge.”
In August, concerns about the guardrails were raised by Ulster Park resident Vincent Zaccheo and town of Ulster Supervisor James Quigley.
Quigley said this week that he appreciated the efforts of the state Department of Transportation and help from the office of Assembly Kevin Cahill, D-Kingston.
“I am very happy that, when an issue is brought to my attention, that we can facilitate a resolution that helps the community,” Quigley said.
In August, Quigley said he met with Zaccheo about the new guardrails.
Quigley said at that time that he was concerned because the walkway at the bridge is a popular spot for fishing in the Rondout Creek and people
would need to climb over the guardrails to do that.
“This is a potential hazard that needs to be addressed,” Quigley said at the time.
Zaccheo said the guardrail design discouraged use of the bridge sidewalk and was a particular impediment to the handicapped.
At that time, DiSarro promised a review of the guardrail design.
In a recent letter to the Freeman, Zaccheo said he was pleased with the response of local officials, including state Sen. George
Amedore, R-Rotterdam.
“This situation has been addressed and corrected!” Zaccheo wrote.
The Eddyville Bridge work, which has been done in stages while maintaining alternating one-way traffic, includes replacement of the concrete deck and bridge railing and repair of abutments, Cahill has said. The current modern crossing, a steel arch structure spanning 340 feet, is the third version of the bridge at Eddyville over the Rondout, Cahill said. The first was erected in 1867.