ALBANY—The New York State Thruway Authority recently announced that work will soon begin on a major bridge replacement project in Orange County. Starting June 13, the Meadow Hill Road bridge over the Thruway will be closed to traffic for over a year as crews begin work on replacing the 72-year-old structure.

Work on the $7.8 million project will be performed by Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Inc. of Glenmont, N.Y., the project contractor.  The span is expected to remain closed until summer 2026, according to the Authority. Demolition of the bridge is planned to occur in July and last about one week. The work will take place at night for the safety of the project’s workers and motorists.

Details about Thruway lane closures and traffic stops will be provided in advance of the work. Detour traffic routes are planned along South Plank Road, Union Avenue, State Route 17K, Monarch Drive and Fletcher Road, the agency stated, with signs to alert drivers of the closure and detours. Approximately 4,100 vehicles travel the Meadow Hill Road Bridge daily.

The existing structure is expected to be demolished next month, and some work will be taking place overnight with lane closures on the Thruway expected.

The new bridge design will have two 11-foot travel lanes in each direction, according to the Thruway Authority. The south side of the structure will feature a 6-foot-wide shoulder, while the north side will have both a shoulder and a sidewalk.