Historic Morningthorpe Avenue Bridge Reopens As Scenic Path

BREWSTER, NY — The Morningthorpe Avenue Bridge, a new pedestrian and cyclist gateway to Brewster, was officially reopened on Monday after a $2.6 million renovation.

The old bridge was in danger of collapsing into the reservoir.

"Turning this 126-year-old bridge into a pedestrian and bicycle path is a great step forward," Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said in an announcement. "It will help make our communities more walkable, provide healthy recreation opportunities and bring people to village parks, the Metro-North train station and Brewster’s Main Street shopping district."

Officials from the county, Town of Southeast and Village of Brewster attended the Labor Day ceremony to cut the ribbon and usher in a new era for the bridge, which runs from Route 22 to Railroad Avenue and crosses over the Croton River.

"The bridge is a great way to bring more people into the village," Brewster Mayor Jim Schoenig said. "Pedestrians can walk to the hiking trail, or fish off the bridge. It’s a great addition to our community."

Putnam County secured federal funding for the reconstruction of the bridge via the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council. Turning the bridge into a pedestrian walkway rather than replacing with one that could carry vehicular traffic enabled the county to get that funding.

"The State DOT told Putnam County to close the bridge to pedestrian traffic in 2013,” Putnam County Legislator Joseph Castellano said. "Our real concern since 2013 was that the bridge could collapse into the reservoir. Putnam County had to remove the old bridge. As we examined all cost options, the Putnam County Highway Department discovered a federal grant opportunity to create a pedestrian walkway to a mass transit center, in this case the Brewster Village train station. We successfully obtained the grant, which covered 80 percent of the cost and saved taxpayers $2 million."

The Morningthorpe Avenue Bridge was originally built in 1894. The superstructure was replaced in 1960 and it was last rehabilitated in 1987. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in 2006 when structural deficiencies made it unsafe.

The reopening of the bridge couldn’t have come at a better time, said Putnam County Director of Tourism Tracey Walsh.

"With so many people staying close to home and pursuing outdoor recreation, there is incredible demand for any safe bicycle route in Putnam County," Walsh said. "This bridge is a welcome addition. The pathway will also provide access to the Croton River, which brings fishermen from all over to our county."

Putnam County Legislator Paul Jonke said the new bridge was worth the wait.

“It’s beautiful, you can look out over the reservoir and watch the leaves change in the fall,” Jonke said. “I want to thank everyone involved."