Preston Way bridge fix is heading nowhere

Traffic over the Preston Way bridge in Mount Kisco this spring. A squabble over ownership and resulting financial responsibility has stalled the work to replace the deteriorating bridge. (Martin Wilbur photo)

By MARTIN WILBUR

An ownership dispute between Mount Kisco and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over the Preston Way bridge, along with questions regarding how the cost will be shared to replace the span, continues to delay the project.

Earlier this year, village officials were hopeful that construction to replace the deteriorating span would be done this year, but Mount Kisco and the MTA appear to be no closer to resolving the stalemate.

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said the village has researched the history of the bridge and neighboring parcels to learn which of the public entities own what land and structures as a way to figure out an equitable sharing of the cost for the work. That could also include New York state, he said.

While Preston Way is a village road, there is evidence that the center span is owned by the MTA.

“The MTA seems to have some responsibility and we have to recognize their responsibilities so we can move ahead with the project,” Cindrich said.

In January 2024, the last time there was an estimate for the bridge replacement, it was projected to cost $8.6 million. It was originally slated for repairs nearly a decade ago, but time and continued use now requires a full replacement of the more than 70-year-old bridge. In March, a 5-ton weight limit for vehicles was put into effect.

Mount Kisco obtained a $1.9 million BRIDGE NY grant toward the work in 2018 when the estimate was pegged at $5 million. Two years ago, that grant was increased to $5 million after the village reapplied for funds.

Unless the village receives contributions from the MTA, it would have to pay for the difference between the grant and the final cost.

When asked about the status of the situation, an MTA spokesman said there is no update for the agency to give.

Coming to a resolution on ownership and financial responsibility could have far-reaching implications for Mount Kisco. In addition to Preston Way, there are two other bridges that go over Metro-North tracks in the village, on Main Street and on Lieto Drive, and whatever is agreed to in this matter could also apply when those bridges need repair, said Village Trustee Karen Schleimer.

While the responsibility could be different for each crossing, especially with Route 133 being a state road, the village wants to be careful not to set an unwelcome precedent, she said.

“So the legality of it would be different, probably, but you can’t make a deal where you assume total responsibility without looking at what your responsibility would be with respect to the other two,” Schleimer said.

Another serious issue would be the final cost of the work by the time it goes out to bid and construction begins. Costs often exceed the bids for projects without the threat of tariffs on materials and anticipated escalation.

“Every municipality, no matter how much effort goes into design and preparation, there are cost overruns,” Cindrich noted. “Whatever the cost is to construct a bridge with plans that haven’t had final approval, they’re going to incur additional expenses. That’s a concern of mine.”

Cindrich said that the MTA made no effort to participate in the grant seeking process, efforts that were completed entirely by Village Manager Ed Brancati and staff. As a result, the $5 million procured should count as Mount Kisco’s contribution to the replacement bridge.

“I have the fiduciary responsibility to protect the people of Mount Kisco, whether it’s a $2 million or $3 million burden,” Cindrich said. “When I sign on to spend the taxpayers’ money, I want to make sure we’ve done all the research we can possibly do.”

Whenever the work gets under way, the village will have to have a traffic plan in place since the bridge will be closed for an extended period in a highly congested area. Preston Way runs directly in front of Target and Stop & Shop on one side of the street and Mount Kisco Chevrolet on the other side. It is also a key cut-through to Route 117.