Route 59 bridge closure in Spring Valley begins; business owners worry about impact
Local businesses express concern as a major section of Route 59 shuts down for a bridge replacement project expected to last through the end of summer. Traffic builds and tie ups happened in area.
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A section of Route 59 near New Clarkstown Road in Spring Valley has officially closed as crews begin work to repair the bridge that runs over South Pascack Road. The New York State Department of Transportation says the project will continue through the end of summer and will focus on replacing the upper portion of the bridge.
Nearby businesses are already feeling the impact. Peter Jung, who runs Inkville Tattoo & Piercing, said he and others in the area are worried about how long the work will last and what it will mean for customer traffic.
"We're worried about it. Yeah, I'm worried," he said. "I hope it will be finished as early as possible. That's what I want."
At Cannabis Realm, employees watched traffic back up as drivers approached the closure.
"People are coming down here, seeing that the bridge is closed, and you can see the parking lot that it's turned into right here because people find out it's a U-turn," said Jim Welch. "Hopefully, it's not going to affect the businesses too much, but it can't be good. It is already."
Spring Valley Mayor Schenley Vital visited the area to check on the traffic tie-ups and speak with business owners.
"We're very thankful for the state for this critical investment in infrastructure. But you know we are cognizant of the business owners because they're really the lifeblood and backbone of our village," he said, adding the need for local leaders to find ways to help the local businesses.
To help pedestrians navigate the closure, a complimentary taxi service will run every day to transport people from one side of the construction zone to the other. A posted sign will include a number for those who need to call for assistance.
Within hours of the closure, News 12 saw a woman walking through the work zone and was addressed by a construction worker. A box truck was also spotted driving up the shoulder to cut off others in traffic.
The New York State Department of Transportation urges travelers to plan ahead and avoid the area during construction.
