The Hudson River Valley Greenway has recently committed $75,000 to support a historic preservation feasibility study for the 325-foot former railroad bridge over the Wallkill River at Springtown Road in New Paltz — a crucial connector on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail (WVRT), which is part of the Empire State Trail.
Owned and maintained by the Town of New Paltz, this historic bridge, prominently featured in the film A Quiet Place (and its sequel).
It serves as a destination for walkers, cyclists, runners, cross-country skiers, horseback riders, and wildlife enthusiasts who travel the trail, one of the first rail trails organized in New York State.
The Wallkill Valley Rail Trail is a 23.7-mile rail trail and linear park that runs along the former Wallkill Valley Railroad rail corridor in Ulster County, from Gardiner through New Paltz, Rosendale and Ulster to the Kingston city line.
The railroad (part of the New York Central Railroad) ended regular traffic in 1977 and plans for the rail trail began as early as 1983.
In 1991, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust, purchased the 12-mile section between New Paltz and Gardiner, and conveyed the New Paltz section to the town and village of New Paltz with permanent land protection agreements, held by the Wallkill Valley Land Trust.
The first section of the trail opened in 1993 and was one of the first long-distance railroad conversion project in New York State, predating the four-mile Hudson Valley Rail Trail in the nearby town of Lloyd, which runs from the Hudson River through the hamlet of Highland.
The bridge was decked by volunteers in 1991 and is showing the inevitable impact of decades. To explore options for restoration, the Greenway funds will hire a professional engineering analysis and feasibility study.
This analysis is expected to identify the necessary repairs and evaluate potential restoration approaches. Once complete, the next will be securing funding for the repair and restoration work.
This initiative is being conducted with the support of the Town of New Paltz, which owns this section of the WVRT and retains decision-making authority over the future of the bridge.
“The preservation of our beloved bridge and the assurance of its safe use is imperative,” said Amanda Gotto, Town of New Paltz Supervisor. “The challenge of funding the work that will be needed is also significant. We need all the help we can get, and are so grateful to HRVG for their generous support.”
“This bridge is not only a visual and historical landmark, but a critical link in the WVRT system. Without repairs, we risk losing access to a safe and uninterrupted trail experience,” said Christie DeBoer, Executive Director of the Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT).
“The Hudson River Valley Greenway is thrilled to support the Town of New Paltz’s feasibility study for upgrades to the Springtown Bridge.” Said Andy Kitzmann, Executive Director. “This collaborative approach with multiple partners will ensure the future bridge is safe and secure and will provide years of safe recreational opportunities.”
Read more about bridges in New York State.
Photo of the Wallkill River bridge at Springtown Road in New Paltz provided by GPI Engineering.
Source link
