The Fulton Bridge is closed indefinitely.Sept. 5, 2012 -- The county-owned Fulton Avenue Drawbridge between Pelham Manor and Mount Vernon will be closed to vehicles indefinitely due to structural concerns identified during a recent inspection by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT).  Pedestrians will still be allowed to use the bridge.

"We know this is a major inconvenience for people who live in the area as well as merchants," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "We will do everything possible to expedite this repair, but safety must come first."

Time frame, cost and scope of work have not yet been determined.

New York State DOT inspects all bridges in the state at least every two years. Here is the chronology that led to the closing:

  • On Aug. 29 and 30, state inspectors uncovered severe deterioration in several steel stringers (beams) and notified the county.
  • On Aug. 29, the county declared the emergency so it could expedite repairs.
  • Today, the state issued a notice that "prompt interim action" was required, and in response, the county closed the bridge to vehicles.

While pedestrians will be allowed to use the bridge, it will be raised, as needed, to keep the waterway below it accessible for maritime traffic at all times. 

This bridge has been closed in the past; most recently, the bridge was closed in June 2012 to repair electrical components.

The same detour that has been used in the past will be utilized. The traffic will be detoured down Columbus Avenue in Mount Vernon to South 3rd Street, onto Provost Avenue (in the Bronx), onto Boston Post Road, and back to Pelham Manor. The reverse order will apply going from Pelham Manor to Mount Vernon.

Drivers of passenger cars, who are familiar with the area can use the Hutchinson River Parkway between Sandford Boulevard and Boston Post Road (US 1).

A separate $4 million project to rehabilitate the bridge was already in the design stage by the county.  That project involves the removal and replacement of the concrete deck and sidewalks of the approach, as well as replacement of deteriorated structural steel and concrete members.

For additional information, contact the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation's Traffic Division at (914) 995-2555.