Major Route 9W Bridge Reopens After Flood Damage In Orange County

HIGHLANDS, NY — Less than four weeks after devastating floods tore through the Hudson Valley, a key access point connecting Route 9W and the surrounding counties was reopened Friday.

The work to reopen Popolopen Bridge was originally expected to take months to fix, had caused significant traffic disruption and slowed economic activity.

Using funds from the federal government’s major disaster declaration, the bridge was rapidly repaired by a combined state, county and local effort.

Rep. Pat Ryan, D-NY 18, said the storm’s catastrophic damage to the bridge negatively impacted local small businesses and significantly stopped traffic.

“Thanks to the close coordination between federal, state and local government,” he said, “and in particular the heroic 24/7 work of crews on the scene, I’m proud to announce Popolopen Bridge is back up and running ahead of schedule.”

Ryan said he would continue to push for everyone impacted to get the relief they need and deserve to clean up the damage to homes, small businesses and infrastructure across the region.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus thanked the state Department of Transportation for its diligent work in repairing the bridge.

“The Popolopen Bridge is a vital roadway in Orange County,” he said, “and I am glad that it has re-opened less than a month after the devastating storm damaged it.

“It is another important step as we recover from the storm and will benefit residents in the southeastern portion of the county and visitors alike,” Neuhaus said.