Senators Michelle Hinchey, James Skoufis, and Rob Rolison have called upon the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) for urgent action regarding the safety of key Hudson Valley bridges. A letter was sent to DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez following National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) findings that highlighted possible structural vulnerabilities in the Rip Van Winkle and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges.
These concerns arose during an NTSB investigation into last year’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, which fell after being hit by a cargo ship. The investigation found that Maryland officials had failed to assess the bridge’s vulnerability, which revealed a risk of collapse was nearly 30 times the acceptable limit. This raised alarm for similar assessments across the country, with the Rip Van Winkle and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges among those needing evaluation.
The senators requested information from Commissioner Dominguez on the DOT’s current protocols regarding the NTSB’s findings, prioritization of safety projects, timelines for addressing any vulnerabilities, and funding availability for necessary repairs.
Senator Michelle Hinchey emphasized the critical need for action, stating, “Thousands of Hudson Valley residents and visitors rely on the Rip Van Winkle and Newburgh-Beacon Bridges every day—we can’t wait for a disaster to test their safety. The tragic implosion of Baltimore’s Key Bridge was a wake-up call, proving why proactive inspections and reinforcements are essential. We need to know what’s being done to evaluate any possible threats so we can ensure the security of everyone who crosses these vital links to our communities.”
Senator James Skoufis highlighted the incident’s impact, “It’s been just over a year since the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore. Six overnight workers were tragically killed, and we must take every action possible to prevent another tragedy from occurring. The two bridges flagged by the National Transportation Safety Board located in the Hudson Valley are vital arteries for the region. Ensuring they remain usable, accessible, and–most of all–safe, is of utmost importance.”
Senator Rob Rolison also weighed in, “Our bridges are lifelines for communities and commerce. The NTSB’s findings make clear that we can’t wait for a crisis to act. We urge the DOT to move swiftly in assessing and securing the Newburgh-Beacon and Rip Van Winkle Bridges to protect the thousands who rely on them every day.”
