Major Infrastructure Milestone Restores Traffic to Historic Permanent Bridge Ahead of Schedule
Watch the News Conference Here:
New Rochelle, NY – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joined County officials, project engineers and members of the community to celebrate the opening of the newly rehabilitated Glen Island Bridge, six months ahead of schedule.
The milestone marks a major step forward in the County’s ongoing rehabilitation of the historic Glen Island Bridge, originally constructed in 1930 and serving as the only access point for entering Glen Island Park. The transition restores traffic to the permanent structure, while final construction and restoration work continues through the remainder of the year.
Significant work has already been completed as part of the rehabilitation project, including the repair of steel girders, installation of the bridge floor beams, concrete bridge deck, movable span grid deck, pedestrian railings, the bridge’s electrical and mechanical systems, bridge and approach sidewalks, and traffic and pedestrian railing ahead of the traffic shift. Additional work currently underway includes testing of the mechanical and electrical systems ahead of the scheduled reopening of the navigation channel on May 22.
Jenkins said: “Today marks another important milestone in this project and in our continued investment in Westchester County’s infrastructure. Glen Island Park is one of the County’s most treasured public spaces, and restoring traffic to the permanent bridge ahead of the busy summer season reflects the tremendous work completed by our County teams, engineers and contractors. This project has always been about balancing preservation, safety and access while ensuring this historic bridge continues serving residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald said: “Rehabilitating a historic movable bridge while maintaining park access and marine operations required extensive planning and coordination across multiple County departments and project teams. Seeing traffic move back onto the permanent bridge is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the collaboration that has driven this project forward.”
Westchester County Department of Public Works & Transportation Commissioner Hugh J. Greechan said: “This traffic shift represents the successful completion of a major phase of construction work on the permanent bridge. Our crews completed substantial structural, mechanical and electrical upgrades while maintaining safe access to Glen Island Park throughout construction. We remain focused on completing the remaining work safely and with minimal disruption to the public.”
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Glen Island Park welcomes residents and visitors from across the region throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Restoring traffic to the permanent bridge ahead of Memorial Day helps ensure continued public access to one of Westchester’s most iconic waterfront destinations while preserving its historic character.”
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation First Deputy Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said: “This project protects access to a park that holds special meaning for generations of Westchester residents. Returning traffic to the permanent bridge is an exciting milestone and reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to preserving and improving the public spaces our communities value most.”
Principal from the engineering design firm, H&H, David DeLuca said: “From our initial assessment through final design and now construction, this project has focused on long term durability, safety, and sustainability. It has been extremely rewarding to extend the life of this historic 100-year-old structure which will continue to serve the public for many years to come.”
Kiewit Infrastructure Co. Project Manager Zane R. Pointon said: Kiewit is proud to have successfully rehabilitated this historic bridge while preserving its character and improving long-term performance. This work required close coordination among the County, project partners and our crews through every phase of construction. The dedication and expertise demonstrated by our craft professionals throughout the project played a critical role in reaching this milestone safely and efficiently.”
Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements said: “As the County Legislator representing this community, I know how much Glen Island Park means to residents throughout New Rochelle and beyond. The reopening of the permanent bridge ahead of schedule is tremendous news and reflects the hard work and coordination that went into this project. I’m proud to see this important investment in infrastructure and public access move forward.”
Following the traffic shift, demolition of the temporary bridge and removal of temporary piles will continue through late June. Restoration of roadway approaches and landscaping is expected to continue through December 2026.
The full rehabilitation project includes structural steel repairs, masonry restoration, upgraded sidewalks and railings, lighting improvements and extensive electrical and mechanical upgrades designed to preserve the bridge’s historic integrity, while modernizing its operations for decades to come.