The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) informed the City of Rye that, as of April 25, they would close the portion of the Central Avenue Bridge that runs over the Metro-North railroad tracks and is owned by the MTA.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) informed the City of Rye that, as of April 25, they would close the portion of the Central Avenue Bridge that runs over the Metro-North railroad tracks and is owned by the MTA. The MTA estimates that the bridge will be closed for approximately six months as they perform repairs necessary to ensure that the structure remains safe for vehicles and pedestrians alike. The bridge, originally built in 1898, was rehabilitated in 1918 and again in 1927. The road will be closed to all vehicular traffic but will remain open to pedestrian traffic for the majority of the project. The MTA provided the City with a rehabilitation plan for the bridge as well as a copy of the detour route they would be establishing for vehicular traffic. 

The MTA told the city that the bulk of the work would be conducted during the day, but that due to the need to work around train schedules and track outages, some work may occur at night and on weekends. The MTA intends to limit the noise and disturbance at night as much as possible, but did point out that federal law requires that any train must blow its whistle when passing through a work zone.

The City recognizes that the repair work and bridge closure present issues for neighboring residents (as well as all residents), but stresses that the repair work is necessary to ensure the bridge remains open long term. City officials met with MTA representatives last week and the MTA provided the City with specific contact information should any issues arise during the repair project. Residents should contact the City Manager’s office directly (967-7404) with any issues or concerns, and the City will then contact the MTA for resolution.

 — Gretchen Althoff Snyder