The updated project timeline calls for the Notice to Proceed to be issued on March 30, 2026, project mobilization in April 2026 and work to begin on May 1, 2026. A substantial portion of the redecking project is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2028. 

The NYSBA has inked a Project Labor Agreement with three building trades that have jurisdiction on the project—the Building and Construction Trades Council of Westchester & Putnam Counties, the Hudson Valley Building & Construction Trades Council and the Building & Construction Trades Council of Rockland County.

The Bear Mountain Bridge Deck Replacement Project focuses on several critical improvements. The new deck will use modern and more durable materials and systems to extend the bridge’s service life. Sidewalks will be widened to at least five feet to meet ADA standards and better accommodate pedestrians. 

New York State Bridge Authority Board of Commissioners Chair Joan McDonald said, “This milestone contract represents our continued commitment to maintaining and improving this beloved Hudson Valley icon and critical regional connector. The board looks forward to seeing this important project move forward.”   

New York State Bridge Authority Executive Director Dr. Minosca Alcantara said, “With the vision and expertise of our engineering and design teams, this project will create a safer, more accessible, and more resilient Bear Mountain Bridge. It will enhance the experience for motorists and pedestrians today, while preserving this Hudson Valley landmark for generations to come.” 

The project will extend the lifespan of the 101-year-old crossing, ensuring the bridge continues serving the Hudson Valley well into its second century. Several related improvements will also be incorporated to bring bridge features up to current standards and practices, as well as to enhance the experience for pedestrians, including hikers using the Appalachian Trail, Bridge Authority officials stated.

The Bear Mountain Bridge last underwent a deck replacement (also known as “re-decking”) in the 1970s. Concrete bridge decks typically last between 30 and 50 years, depending on usage and environmental conditions. The new deck will utilize lightweight concrete designed to accommodate heavier modern truck loads and is expected to serve the bridge for more than 50 years. 

Construction will occur in three major phases, beginning with pre-phase work on the south side before starting major work for Phase 1 on the north side of the span. Work will be sequenced to maintain typical traffic patterns and minimize disruption to motorists. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. 

Safety and Accessibility Improvements

Several safety and accessibility improvements are being incorporated into the project to modernize the bridge while achieving cost efficiencies.

Because of the width of the steel structure, the new concrete deck will allow for modest sidewalk widening. The existing sidewalks– currently 2 feet 10 inches on the north side and 4 feet wide on the south side – will be widened to five feet on both sides to improve accessibility and better align with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The widths of roadway lanes and shoulders will remain unchanged. 

Concrete barriers separating pedestrians from vehicular traffic will be modernized to meet current safety standards. Drainage systems will be upgraded to improve water flow and protect the bridge’s steel components.

As part of the design process, NYSBA conducted a comprehensive evaluation of climb deterrent fencing to align with modern safety considerations and enhance suicide prevention measures. 

Following comprehensive wind tunnel testing and structural analysis, a steel mesh-style fencing system has been identified as the preferred solution. This design is lighter in weight and reduces additional stress on the bridge while maintaining safety and durability standards. The fencing will be installed along the sidewalks as part of the upcoming deck replacement project and is included in the Bridge Authority’s capital improvement program.

Because existing railings must be removed and replaced during sidewalk reconstruction, integrating fencing into the larger project will generate significant cost savings compared to pursuing it as a standalone initiative, the Bridge Authority stated.

Four new overlooks—two on each sidewalk—will be installed, allowing pedestrians to walk safely around the bridge towers and enjoy views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands. Pedestrians wishing to continue across the bridge will still be able to proceed along the sidewalks between the roadway and the towers, as they do today.

In addition, special measures will be implemented to minimize impacts on bird species that nest on or near the bridge, such as peregrine falcons.