All Systems Go For Smith Point Bridge Replacement

SHIRLEY, NY — All systems are go for the Smith Point Bridge's replacement, officials say.

According to Suffolk County Legislator Rudy Sunderman, on July 17, the Suffolk County Legislature approved the final funding appropriation in connection with the replacement of the aging bridge.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle that will result in the Smith Point Bridge being replaced with a modern bridge to ensure all Suffolk residents can access our beautiful beach,” Sunderman said.

Smith Point Bridge opened on July 4, 1959, with the goal of providing access to Smith Point County Park on Fire Island; before the bridge was constructed, residents traveled by ferry.

The bridge was built as a 1,216 foot steel-deck drawbridge with a reinforced concrete roadway laid on a steel beam superstructure. Due to the age of the bridge, erosion of pilings, and the increased difficulty acquiring electrical replacement parts for the center drawbridge section, a new bridge is critical, Sunderman said.

“The current bridge is 59 years old,” Sunderman said. “And while it is not dangerous, it is starting to show signs of its age and requires yearly maintenance.”

Construction of the new bridge is scheduled to begin in 2021, and possibly sooner, with an expected
construction timeline of two years, he said.

The new structure will be built 125' to the west of the existing bridge, which will remain in use until construction is complete.

The new bridge will not be a drawbridge like its predecessor; instead, the new span will be built with a 55' vertical clearance that will allow boat traffic to move freely without inhibiting traffic on the bridge itself. The new bridge will also have wider shoulders and sidewalks to better accommodate pedestrian traffic, Sunderman said.

The federal government is funding 80 percent of the project’s cost, with the county share, 20 percent, a release said.

“This is the perfect time to finally begin the construction of the new bridge,” Sunderman said. “The funding has been allocated, and this will bring jobs to our area and ensure our beautiful waterfront community has access to Fire Island for years to come.”

Photo courtesy Leg. Rudy Sunderman.