Editing Newburgh–Beacon Bridge

{{Short description|Cantilever toll bridge between Newburgh and Beacon, New York, US}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox bridge
|bridge_name= Newburgh–Beacon Bridge
|image= Newburgh-Beacon_Bridge_2.jpg
|image_size=300px
|caption= Newburgh–Beacon Bridge from Beacon|
|official_name= Hamilton Fish Newburgh–Beacon Bridge
|also_known_as= 
|carries=6 lanes of {{jct|state=NY|I|84|NY|52}}
|crosses= [[Hudson River]]
|locale= [[Newburgh, New York]] and [[Beacon, New York]]
|maint= [[New York State Bridge Authority]]
|id=5060381
|id_type=[[NYSDOT]] BIN
|design= Twin span [[Continuous truss bridge]]s
|mainspan= {{convert|1000|ft|m}}
|length= {{convert|7789|ft|m}}<br />{{convert|7855|ft|m}}
|width=
|clearance= 
|below={{convert|135|ft|m}}
|traffic= 65,000
|open= {{start date and age|November 2, 1963}} (westbound)<br />{{start date and age|November 1, 1980}} (eastbound)
|closed=
|toll= (Eastbound only) cars: <br>$1.65 [[E-ZPass]]<br>$2.15 tolls-by-mail
|map_cue=
|map_image=
|map_text=
|map_width=
|coordinates = {{coord|41.519246|-73.994293|display=inline,title}}
}}

The '''Newburgh–Beacon Bridge''' is a [[continuous truss]] toll bridge that spans the [[Hudson River]] in [[New York State]]. The bridge carries [[Interstate 84 in New York|Interstate&nbsp;84]] (I-84) and [[New York State Route&nbsp;52]] (NY&nbsp;52) between [[Newburgh (city), New York|Newburgh]] and [[Beacon, New York|Beacon]] and consists of two separate spans. The original northern span, which now carries westbound traffic, was opened on November 2, 1963, as a two-lane (one in each direction) bridge.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Stengren|first=Bernard|date=November 3, 1963|title=Ceremony Opens Newburgh Span; New Bridge is Formally Opened|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/11/03/archives/ceremony-opens-newburgh-span-new-bridge-is-formally-opened.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 7, 2009}}</ref> A second span, completed in 1980, now carries all eastbound traffic. The span provides connections to the [[New York State Thruway]] ([[Interstate 87 (New York)|I-87]]) and [[U.S. Route 9W in New York|U.S. Route&nbsp;9W]] (US&nbsp;9W) in Newburgh and [[U.S. Route 9 in New York|US&nbsp;9]] in [[Fishkill, New York|Fishkill]]. The bridges includes a {{convert|2204|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} cantilever span, with a main span of {{convert|1000|ft|m}} and side spans of {{convert|602|ft|m}}. The total length of all spans and approaches is {{convert|7855|ft|m}} for the north span and {{convert|7789|ft|m}} for the south span. The bridges, owned by the [[New York State Bridge Authority]], carry six lanes of traffic and approximately 65,000 vehicles per day. The bridge is officially known as the '''Hamilton Fish Newburgh–Beacon Bridge'''.

==History==
Although original plans called for a four-lane bridge, funding difficulties resulted in the reduction in lanes. This span was designed by [[Ralph Modjeski|Modjeski & Masters]] and constructed by [[Frederick Snare Corporation]], Drave, and [[Bethlehem Steel Corporation|Bethlehem Steel]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge {{!}} History {{!}} Facts |url=https://nysba.ny.gov/bridge/newburgh-beacon |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=nysba.ny.gov}}</ref> The now westbound bridge opened on November 2, 1963, carrying one lane of traffic in each direction.

In August 1970, the toll was abolished for westbound drivers, and at the same time, eastbound drivers saw their tolls doubled.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://bridgestunnels.com/location/newburgh-beacon-bridge/ | title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge | date=August 7, 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.JPG|thumb|left|300px|Newburgh-Beacon Bridge from Newburgh, NY]]
The bridge originally carried NY&nbsp;52 traffic, which was light, but the construction of Interstate 84 pushed the bridge over capacity,<ref>{{Cite web | title = Newburgh-Beacon Bridge | url = https://www.nysba.net/bridgepages/NBB/NBBpage/nbb_page.htm | publisher = New York State Bridge Authority | access-date = August 7, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080705090031/https://www.nysba.net/bridgepages/NBB/NBBpage/nbb_page.htm | archive-date = July 5, 2008 }}</ref> and planning for additional capacity began in 1972. After considering double-decking (which the original bridge was not designed for) the decision was taken by [[New York State Bridge Authority|NYSBA]] to add a second parallel span south of the original. On November 1, 1980, this second, parallel span, also designed by Modjeski & Masters but constructed by the [[American Bridge Company]], was opened to traffic.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 1, 1980|title=A New Bridge Is Added to an Old One Between Two Hudson Cities|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/11/01/archives/a-new-bridge-is-added-to-an-old-one-between-two-hudson-cities.html|url-access=subscription|access-date=August 7, 2009}}</ref> This eastbound span was built with three {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}} travel lanes, and a {{convert|10|ft|m|adj=on}} right shoulder. Because of this, unlike the westbound span, there is no need to reduce the travel lanes to two during off-peak times. It is also made of [[weathering steel]] (believed to be COR-TEN or similar, although sources are not clear), the surface of which intentionally corrodes, forming a brown colored protective layer that does not require paint. The bicycle path on the eastbound span was opened in 1981, making it the second interstate funded bike path in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nysba.ny.gov/bridge/newburgh-beacon#:~:text=In%201981%2C%20the%20bicycle%20and,1980%20for%20widening%20and%20strengthening |title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge |website=nysba.ny.gov}}</ref> The original span was closed for a major renovation from December 1980 to June 1984, in order widen the deck to accommodate three {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}} travel lanes, increase its strengthening, install Variable lane signs, and repaint it a shade of brown to match the color of the eastbound span.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nysba.ny.gov/bridge/newburgh-beacon | title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge &#124; History &#124; Facts }}</ref> After work was completed, the original span was converted to serve westbound traffic, and the 1980 span was converted to serve eastbound traffic, though it still had no permanent shoulders.  to allow the right lane to be designated as a breakdown lane at night and off-peak travel times. When the right lane is being used as a shoulder, a red X appears on the signs above it, while a green arrow illuminates when the lane is used for travel during peak times.

In 1997, the bridges were rededicated in honor of [[Hamilton Fish III]], a 12-term member of the [[U.S. House of Representatives]], and his son and namesake [[Hamilton Fish IV]], a 13-term member of the House.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Sack|first=Kevin|date=July 5, 1994|title=Political Chasm Is Spanned To Have 2 Bridges Renamed|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/05/nyregion/political-chasm-is-spanned-to-have-2-bridges-renamed.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820001940/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/05/nyregion/political-chasm-is-spanned-to-have-2-bridges-renamed.html|archive-date=August 20, 2021}}</ref>

In 2006, the west approach was repaved and a new truck inspection area was built to allow the [[New York State Police|State Police]] to conduct inspections in a safe area that would not interfere with regular traffic flow.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nysba.ny.gov/bridge/newburgh-beacon | title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge &#124; History &#124; Facts }}</ref>

The toll plaza was reconfigured in August 2010.<ref>{{cite news | last=Randall | first=Michael | date=August 19, 2010 | url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/business/2010/08/19/i-84-bridge-s-toll/51503033007/ | title=I-84 bridge's toll lanes get reconfigured | work=[[Times Herald-Record]]}}</ref>

In October 2013, a $94.7 million project to replace the eastbound spans deck was commenced.<ref>{{cite news | date=October 21, 2013 | url=https://www.chroniclenewspaper.com/news/local-news/repairs-for-the-newburgh-beacon-bridge-NBCN20131021131029997 | title=Repairs for the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge | work=[[The Chronicle (Goshen and Chester)|The Chronicle]]}}</ref> It was completed in October 2015.<ref>{{cite news | last=Rife | first=Judy | date=October 10, 2015 | url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/business/2015/10/10/bridge-construction-nearly-done/33287226007/ | title=Bridge construction nearly done | work=[[Times Herald-Record]]}}</ref>

In 2019, a $13,900,750 project was completed that rebuilt the overpass carrying traffic over [[U.S. Route 9W|US 9W]] in Newburgh, in order to provide better clearance for truck traffic below on Route 9W and to meet current interstate highway standards.<ref>{{cite web | last=Rife | first=Judy | date=November 20, 2019 | url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/news/2019/11/21/i-84-9w-bridge-project/2243498007/ | title=I-84/9W bridge project completed early and under budget |work=[[Times Herald-Record]]}}</ref>

At midnight on July 7, 2021, the bridge was converted to all-electronic tolling on the eastbound span,<ref>{{cite press release |date=July 5, 2021 |url=https://www.nysba.ny.gov/wysiwyg/15942021.07.05%20-%20GOVERNOR%20CUOMO%20ANNOUNCES%20NEWBURGH-BEACON%20BRIDGE%20TO%20IMPLEMENT%20CASHLESS%20TOLLING%20ON%20JULY%207,%202021.pdf |title=Governor Cuomo Announces Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to Implement Cashless Tolling on July 7, 2021 |website=nysba.ny.gov}}</ref> involved in this was the removal of a large segment of roadway.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5178482,-73.9799246,3a,75y,85.96h,80.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sn-nDiWNwITVsoZmIj5rWPA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en&entry=ttu | title=Google Maps }}</ref>

In late 2020, a $95 million project to replace the westbound spans deck was commenced.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bellamy |first=Lana |date=October 1, 2022 |url=https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/news/article/Newburgh-Beacon-Bridge-construction-finishes-17475340.php |title=$95M Newburgh-Beacon Bridge re-decking finishes early |work=[[Times Union (Albany)|Times Union]]}}</ref> It was considered mostly complete by October 1, 2022, nine months ahead of schedule.<ref>{{cite web | date=September 30, 2022 | url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-substantial-completion-95-million-newburgh-beacon-bridge-deck | title=Governor Hochul Announces Substantial Completion of $95 Million Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Deck Replacement Project - Largest in History of New York State Bridge Authority |website=www.governor.ny.gov }}</ref>

On November 27, 2022, the walkway had its curfew removed, allowing pedestrians to walk across it 24/7.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://newburghnews.press/2022/11/17/newburgh-beacon-bridge-pedestrian-walkway-now-open-24-7/ | title=Newburgh-Beacon Bridge Pedestrian Walkway Now Open 24/7 | date=November 17, 2022 | work=The Newburgh News}}</ref>

==Tolls==
Eastbound passenger vehicles are currently (as of May 1, 2023) charged a cash toll of $2.15 to cross the span, or $1.65 for E-ZPass. The toll plaza is located on the eastern (Beacon) shore. Originally, tolls were collected in both directions. The tolls of eleven other New York–New Jersey and Hudson River crossings along a {{convert|130|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch, from the [[Outerbridge Crossing]] in the south to the [[Rip Van Winkle Bridge]] in the north, were also changed to eastbound-only at that time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Nancy|date=August 13, 1970|title=One-Way Tolls Confusing Some Drivers|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/08/13/archives/oneway-tolls-confusing-some-drivers.html|url-status=live|url-access=limited|access-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627214550/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/08/13/archives/oneway-tolls-confusing-some-drivers.html|archive-date=June 27, 2020}}</ref>

In 2019, the bridge authority announced that tolls on its five Hudson River crossings would increase each year beginning in 2020 and ending in 2023. As of May 1, 2021, the current toll for passenger cars traveling eastbound on the Mid-Hudson Bridge was $1.75 in cash, $1.45 for E-ZPass users. In May 2022, tolls will rise to $1.55 for E-ZPass users and $2 for cash payers. In 2023, the E-ZPass toll will increase to $1.65, and the cash toll will rise to $2.15.<ref>{{cite web | last=Doxsey | first=Patricia | title=Hudson River bridge tolls for E-ZPass users rise next month | website=Daily Freeman | date=April 12, 2021 | url=https://www.dailyfreeman.com/2021/04/12/hudson-river-bridge-tolls-for-e-zpass-users-rise-next-month/ | access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
* {{Portal-inline|Transport}}
* {{Portal-inline|Engineering}}
* {{Portal-inline|New York (state)}}
* [[List of fixed crossings of the Hudson River]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Newburgh-Beacon Bridge}}
* [https://www.nysba.net/bridgepages/NBB/NBBpage/NYSWeb_nbb_page_NoLogo.htm NYSBA - Newburgh-Beacon Bridge]
* [https://www.nycroads.com/crossings/newburgh-beacon/ NYCroads.com - Newburgh-Beacon Bridge]

{{Crossings navbox
|structure       = Crossings
|place           = [[Hudson River]]
|bridge          = Newburgh–Beacon Bridge
|bridge signs    = [[File:I-84.svg|20px]] [[File:NY-52.svg|20px]]
|upstream        = [[Mid-Hudson Bridge]]
|upstream signs  = [[File:US 44.svg|20px]] [[File:NY-55.svg|20px]]
|downstream      = [[Newburgh–Beacon Ferry]]
|downstream signs = <!--  Commented out: [[File:Nywaterwaylogo.png|80px]] -->
}}
{{Hudson River}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Newburgh-Beacon Bridge}}
[[Category:Beacon, New York]]
[[Category:Bike paths in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1963]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1980]]
[[Category:Bridges over the Hudson River]]
[[Category:Bridges in Orange County, New York]]
[[Category:Bridges on the Interstate Highway System]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Newburgh, New York]]
[[Category:Cantilever bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Interstate 84 (Pennsylvania–Massachusetts)]]
[[Category:New York State Bridge Authority]]
[[Category:Newburgh, New York]]
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges on the Interstate Highway System]]
[[Category:Road bridges in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Steel bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Toll bridges in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Tolled sections of Interstate Highways]]
[[Category:Weathering steel]]