Press Release:
Poughkeepsie Entrance of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park Will Be Closed For Paving From Monday, April 26 through Thursday, April 29
All welcome centers and restrooms remain open in both Poughkeepsie and Highland.
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (April 22, 2021) – As construction continues on the East Gate Plaza, access on the east (Poughkeepsie) side of Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park will be limited from Monday, April 26 through Thursday, April 29. On these dates, the bridge deck itself will not be accessible from Poughkeepsie, however, is accessible from the west (Highland) approach.
The Dutchess Welcome Center, its indoor restrooms, and adjacent parking lots will remain open. For construction and paving crews to operate safely and complete their work as quickly as possible, access in the park will be blocked from near the Welcome Center to the East (Elevator) Overlook on the bridge. The elevator is closed to respect social distancing requirements. The Washington Street Stairs will also be closed. Guests entering the park from the west entrance will be required to turn around at the East Overlook. Closure dates are subject to change due to inclement weather.
Patrons seeking passage across the river during this disruption in service are encouraged to utilize the mapped Walkway Loop Trail. This 4.4-mile loop winds through the City of Poughkeepsie and crosses over the Hudson River via a designated pedestrian pathway on the Mid-Hudson Bridge before passing through Johnson-Iorio Park to the Ulster approach to Walkway Over the Hudson. For more information including a map of the Walkway Loop Trail, visit walkway.org/looptrail.
Both the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in Ulster County will remain open with no disruptions.
When complete, the East Gate Plaza project will more than double the available space atop the Washington Street Stairs just outside the Poughkeepsie gates. It will create a natural gathering space for visitors and a less-crowded pathway for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The hallmark of the East Gate Plaza is the construction of a structure to include a walk-in space for guests to purchase Walkway souvenirs and New York State-made products, improved access to sundries, snacks, drinks, and other items, and a covered pavilion with audio/visual capabilities to support events, tours, and special programs.
Additional benefits of the project include more seating, landscaping, and the replacement of a decaying retaining wall from the bridge’s original construction in the 1880s.
Construction on the East Gate Plaza is expected to be completed in May 2021. Local firm Siegrist and Sons is helming the project.
About Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson
Supported by a diverse coalition of members, donors, and corporate sponsors, the Friends of the Walkway organization is responsible for raising funds to enhance the Walkway experience, support capital improvements, and deliver innovative events that engage Hudson Valley residents and visitors, all contributing to the vitality of the region. Additional programs and activities supported by the Friends of the Walkway include the volunteer Ambassador program, Walkway tours and interpretative signage in the park, providing accurate and important information to visitors via the Walkway’s website and social media channels, the Walkway’s membership and merchandise programs, and much more. To learn more about how your support can improve the Walkway Over the Hudson and the Hudson Valley, visit walkway.org.
About Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park
Connecting the City of Poughkeepsie and the Hamlet of Highland in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is a renowned tourism and recreation destination visited by 600,000 people each year. Standing 212 feet above the river's surface and more than 6,700 feet (1.28 miles) long, the Walkway is the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The park provides unique access to the Hudson River's breathtaking landscape for pedestrians, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and people with disabilities. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset, weather permitting. For more information, visit walkway.org.
About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.