The Main Street bridge, dubbed a gateway into the Town of Cornwall, was officially completed last week and the occasion was marked with a June 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony involving local and county officials, as well as key contributors to the design and construction of the project including the Orange County Department of Public Works, Transit Halmar JV, and HVEA Engineers.

Despite the replacement project originally being delayed because bids came in higher than expected, staging and preparation work began in the middle of June last year. It was completed five months ahead of schedule and under budget. The estimated $3 to 5 million project was allowed to continue through the winter months due to favorable weather and permission being granted by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The concern was work would have to be suspended during trout spawning season.

The newly replaced bridge, located adjacent to Chadeayne Circle and spanning Idlewild Creek along County Route 9 (Main Street), replaces the original 1929 structure that had reached the end of its useful life. The upgraded design includes safety enhancements, improved pedestrian access, and standout architectural details like sculpted parapet walls, decorative lamp posts, and iron fencing that bring both functionality and visual appeal.

“This project is a great example of smart planning and teamwork delivering real results for our residents,” said County Executive Steven Neuhaus. “Finishing this bridge ahead of schedule and under budget demonstrates our commitment to strengthening infrastructure and our ongoing investment in the future of communities like Cornwall.”

As a Seabee (Navy construction personnel) combat war officer in the Navy Neuhaus attended the ceremony with a stencil and a can of white spray paint. The stencil was painted adjacent to the sidewalk to indicate the county’s pride in its roads and construction projects in general.

Bridges in front of Cornwall Middle School and Hasbrouck Avenue are also slated for replacement, but it’s not known when work will begin. The original plan was to address the second Main Street bridge this summer during summer break, but that will likely be pushed off until next year. By the end of the project, Cornwall will have about $10 million in bridge infrastructure built.