The New York State Bridge Authority has extended the hours of operation for the pedestrian and bicycling pathway on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The expanded hours will assist pedestrian and bicycle commuters utilizing the Metro-North train station in Beacon or commuting to work between the two sides of the bridge, especially those who work during early morning or night shifts, bridge authority officials said.
The change in operating hours comes after the authority received a number of public comments in favor of expanding pedestrian hours at Newburgh-Beacon.

Reasons cited by the public for increased hours included the environmental and health benefits of increased walking and cycling, offering a free and consistent transportation option for those without vehicles, as well as improving pedestrian and bicycle connectivity within the region.

Currently, the hours of operation at the pedestrian facilities at the bridge authority’s other vehicular bridges remain dawn to dusk.