New Delay on Preston Way bridge: state Department of Transportation approval

The Village of Mount Kisco says the state has given no indication of when it will approve the revised bridge design. Thane Grauel Photo

By MARTIN WILBUR

Mount Kisco officials are still waiting for New York state Department of Transportation approval on the updated design of the Preston Way bridge, weeks after they were given signals that a go-ahead from the agency was imminent.

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said Tuesday that engineers for the village have been in regular contact with the DOT but have not received word that would allow the municipality to go out to bid on the project. He was now hopeful that Mount Kisco could potentially get the green light by the end of the week.

“I called the engineers to ask where are we, and we’re calling every day to the engineers to put their final stamp of approval on it,” Cindrich said.

Waiting for DOT approval for the redesign of the bridge’s abutments has been the latest obstacle facing Mount Kisco since the state abruptly shut down the span nine months ago due to significant structural defects. In that time, there have been ongoing disputes among the village, the state and the MTA regarding ownership, future maintenance and financial responsibility for the bridge’s replacement, questions about how much the work will cost, including impacts from inflation, and the sudden decision by DOT to revise the plan. 

Earlier this year, village officials were optimistic that bids could go out by mid-May. Following the need for a redesign, mid-August was the next target.

A DOT spokesperson offered little insight this week into how close the department is to signing off on the updated plans.

“The New York State Department of Transportation continues to engage with the Village of Mount Kisco on plans to replace the Preston Way bridge. We have no further comment at this time,” a department statement read.

If DOT approval can come within the week, then the Village Board awarding a bid could come by the first week in November, Cindrich said. Mount Kisco plans to have a six-week bid period, which is standard with major public projects, he said.

There have also been concerns that any additional waiting could impact the construction schedule over the winter. Cindrich said demolition of the existing bridge could still occur in cold weather, probably only needing to cease for snow or significant rainstorms.

Trustee Tom Luzio said he hadn’t heard any other updates and is hopeful the DOT approval is nearly immediate.

“It’s on a desk, or several desks, I’m sure, at DOT, and that’s not a timeline we’re in control of,” Luzio said. “I can guarantee you every person on the board, in the village and the engineer and the individuals I just mentioned earlier —  Sen. Harckham, Representative Burdick — we’ve all begged, asked, pleaded and we continue to do so.”

Last month, Cindrich indicated that the state may offer additional money to help defray the project’s cost. The last estimate, at $8.6 million, was more than two-and-a-half years ago. The village has received a $5 million state grant and has borrowed $3.6 million in anticipation of moving forward, but it is expected that the price tag exceeds that figure.

“We have applications into various sources, including funding from the federal government, and obviously, New York state has made overtures, but you never know until we see the actual numbers,” Cindrich said. “Financially, that’s always a concern on what it’s going to cost the taxpayers of Mount Kisco directly. But we’ll continue to work on that even after we’ve awarded the contract.”

Once work begins, it is estimated it will take a year to complete the bridge.

Con Ed work continues

Mount Kisco is also awaiting the completion of Con Edison work on its underground infrastructure on Route 133 between Croton Avenue and Maple Avenue, which has caused delays into and out of the village this summer. 

Cindrich said it was hoped that the utility’s work could be finished by the first day of school, which was Wednesday for the Bedford School District. The work that is in the roadway and causes traffic delays will likely extend another one to two weeks, he said.

After that, any additional work, such as the restoration of the sidewalks, should not impact traffic, Cindrich said.

The agreed upon work hours are from about 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and will remain in effect and should limit disruption on rush hour and school-related traffic, he said.