An engineering review has found that the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge is structurally stable and ready for its next role – as a pedestrian path connecting rail trails on both sides of the river. Walkway Over the Hudson, the group leading efforts on recreational reuse of the historic bridge, is also optimistic that the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation will adopt the bridge as a park after its construction.
Fred Schaeffer, chairman of Walkway, said state leaders are “very enthusiastic on the potential for this to be a state park.”
That news, coupled with positive findings from the engineering team, have pleased but not surprised Schaeffer.
“It was a relief to know that what we were saying is true: The bridge is one of the greatest structures of the 19th century. There’s no significant problem with the bridge at all. …There’s no reason why it will not hold the walkway and bike path. It doesn’t need major repairs or significant work,” Schaeffer said this week.
Inspections took seven weeks and were completed on Nov. 9. To examine its steel supports, engineers lowered themselves over its sides on cords. Only one minor issue was found with a section over the Poughkeepsie shoreline that was damaged by a fire in 1974. Engineers are taking a closer look to see if that steel should be replaced. If required, Schaeffer expects repairs would cost less than $1 million.
The design phase will follow, with plans to build a concrete deck 35 feet wide – the full width of the bridge – or possibly less at some parts. The bridge’s railing will be shoulder-height with posts spaced closely for safety. In an effort to prevent suicides, Schaeffer said help line phone boxes will likely be installed, as they have been on other bridges in the Hudson Valley.
A design committee will consider amenities such as lighting, benches, kiosks and parking – with lots planned for both the Poughkeepsie and Highland sides.
Federal grants secured with the help of Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-Kingston) two years ago will cover $400,000 for the engineering work and $450,000 for construction. The City of Poughkeepsie is also contributing by bonding money (if the Common Council approves a bond resolution, as expected) to advance $400,000 in funds before the federal reimbursement comes through. The city has already committed to a contract with the engineering firm Bergmann Associates Inc. to do the work, voting to approve the contract at its meeting Nov. 7.
The future is looking up for Walkway with regard to other developments, as well. The Dyson Foundation has come on board with $1.5 million devoted toward the cost of engineering and planning. “They are totally committed to help us with the project in many ways,” said Schaeffer.
In addition, Amy Husten became Walkway’s first full-time staff member in October. Previously the director of special projects for the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City, Schaeffer said Husten’s experience fit the bill. “She had great background both with major projects and raising funds for those projects,” Schaeffer said.
“I have always been energized by projects that call for building something new,” said Husten.
While the endeavor is gaining momentum, Schaffer seemed slightly less certain than he has in past conversations past about opening the bridge in time for the 400-year celebration of Henry Hudson’s voyage up the river that bears his name in 2009.
Schaeffer, who has always expressed confidence in the goal, said he is now “cautiously optimistic.”
“The planning firm has said we can get it done,” he said. It will take about a year to complete the deck, which Schaeffer hopes to begin in September 2008. “We’re on track right now. The only thing we need to do is come up with the final cost for the project,” he said. Enter Husten, whose job will be fundraising. “She will get on board very quickly and help us raise the funds for construction,” he said.
When it was completed in 1888, the bridge was considered an engineering marvel and was the world’s longest span at 6,767 feet.