Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is calling on New York State to review and fortify its bridges, citing the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a cargo ship collision and a recent New York Times article pointing out potential disasters for Hudson Valley bridges that lack pier protection. The article named the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and the Mid- Hudson Bridge among those at risk.

“We must be proactive and not wait for a disaster to occur,” said Jacobson, whose district includes the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and the Mid-Hudson Bridge connecting the Town of Lloyd and Poughkeepsie. The article noted that these bridges lack shields to protect them from wayward cargo ships.

“Hudson Valley residents rely on these bridges as major arteries connecting both sides of the Valley, as other highways go north and south. The disruption and cost to the State and Federal economy would be immeasurable if the Newburgh Beacon Bridge, which carries I-84, collapsed or was unusable,” continued Jacobson.

In addition to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge and the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the New York State Bridge Authority operates the Bear Mountain Bridge, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, and the Walkway Over the Hudson.

“All of these bridges are vulnerable to large cargo tankers that go up and down the Hudson River every day,” said Jacobson. “The time to act is now!”

Jacobson will propose legislation to deal with the problem on a statewide basis.