SUFFERN, N.Y. — A key bridge on Route 202 at milepost 29.54 is getting a full overhaul as part of a $19.4 million investment announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The project, led by the New York State Thruway Authority, targets two aging bridges in Suffern, both built in the 1950s.
Crews will fully replace the concrete deck and parapets over Route 202 using precast concrete panels. The bridge’s substructure and steel superstructure will also be repaired. This work is critical to keeping traffic moving safely through a corridor that sees roughly 120,000 vehicles daily.
Lane shifts are now in effect. However, three lanes in each direction on I-87 will remain open throughout the project. The bridge lies between Exit 14B and Exit 15, a busy section that connects New York drivers to I-287 and New Jersey.
The Route 202 bridge is only about a tenth of a mile from another bridge over the Mahwah River, which will also undergo repairs. That structure will receive new joints but not a full deck replacement.
The upgrades will improve safety and extend the lifespan of both bridges. Other enhancements include new median barriers, drainage fixes, and fresh pavement markings.
This work is part of a broader $477.3 million investment in the Thruway system planned for 2025. That funding increase will address 61% of the system’s lane miles and improve one in five Thruway bridges.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare emphasized that toll revenue is being reinvested into infrastructure. “These bridges have served us well. Now we’re making sure they’re ready for decades more use,” Hoare said.
The Route 202 bridge work is being handled by DeFoe Corp. and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
Drivers should expect changing conditions and follow all posted signs in the work zone. Safety is the top priority—for workers and motorists alike.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
