State Replacing I-84 & 684 Bridges in Southeast

Work is underway on a $24.5 million project to replace two 59-year-old bridges along the ramp from Interstate 84 westbound to Interstate 684 southbound in the Town of Southeast.

According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the project will replace the aging structures with wider, more resilient bridges that will enhance safety and ensure continued smooth travel along this key gateway that links New England and the lower Hudson Valley. Additionally, environmentally friendly engineering practices will be utilized to boost sustainability and protect local ecosystems. 

The new bridges will allow for more efficient, wider ramps with additional shoulder width to provide space for emergency vehicles and meet federal safety standards. They will also have clearances of 16 feet, 6 inches – higher than the original structures, aligning them with modern interstate standards and reducing the potential for bridge strikes.

“As the Department of Transportation plans and builds for the future, we are using every tool in the toolbox to drive innovation and create more resilient structures that modernize New York’s transportation network while creating a more sustainable environment for all of us,” said Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez.  

Five eco-friendly vegetation swales, which are gently sloping landscape channels lined with dense vegetation, will be installed along the ramps to manage stormwater runoff, screen sediment, filter pollutants, and allow water to naturally soak into the ground. Additionally, the swales will reduce the flow of water along travel lanes during storms, reducing the risk of roadway closures and protecting bridge foundations from long-term erosion.

The new spans will also feature jointless bridge decks to lessen noise pollution, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and create a smoother riding surface. Warm mix asphalt will be utilized, and other materials onsite will be recycled and reused as applicable.

While construction is underway, motorists should expect continuous use of the ramp with staged work and lane shifts. Travelers on I-84 and I-684 should expect several overnight closures for demolition work.

The bridge over I-684 is expected to be completed in 2027, and the bridge over I-84 is anticipated to be completed by 2028.

“Maintaining important infrastructure like our roadways and bridges is a top priority of mine as we continue the work to strengthen New York’s economy,” said State Sen. Pete Harckham. “The bridge replacement project at the intersection of I-84 and I-684 is much needed and will eliminate a problematic traffic bottleneck.” 

Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said roads and bridges are more than pavement and steel.

“They are the connections that safely link Putnam County families to our schools, hospitals, parks, businesses, and everything else that makes life here possible,” he said. “They bring visitors to the Hudson Valley, support economic development, and give people the confidence to invest in New York.”

Byrne said the county has worked diligently to maintain and improve its local infrastructure, currently reporting zero red-flag bridges.

“At the same time, interstates 84 and 684 remain critical corridors for our residents, commuters, and local economy,” he said. “I appreciate Gov. Hochul, our state legislators, and the State Department of Transportation for their commitment to replacing aging infrastructure, improving safety and reliability, and ensuring these heavily traveled roadways continue to serve our region for decades to come.”