MILLBROOK — Work on the replacement of the Stanford bridge on Stanford Road in Millbrook, which has been in the wings about three years, may begin as early as this April, Mayor Tim Collopy announced.
The project will include the removal of the existing bridge superstructure and replacement with a new CON/SPAN B-series prefabricated bridge. The bridge wingwalls and the supports connecting the bridge to the dam will also be replaced. The engineering and design work was awarded to Hudson Valley Engineering (HVEA) back in 2021.
The bridge being replaced was constructed in 1929. One section has lost some of its steel beams; an aging abutment and walls add to the problems with the old structure.
At the June 28, 2023, meeting of the Millbrook Village Board, Collopy explained that the Village had donated the land to Dutchess County so that the County would be responsible for the bridge replacement. Donating the properties to the county by the village was not considered a gift of public funds because the county will be making the improvements for public use.
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) is not required for the project, because the county is replacing the bridge “in kind”; the change will have no long-term environmental impact.
Although early work may start in April, the majority of the work will take place from May through September.
Dutchess County has awarded contracts to start work on the project, beginning with removal of trees that are within the easement on the far side of the bridge; some trees, along the left hand side of the road, have been marked for removal.
Later this spring, traffic will be rerouted to Harts Village Road for approximately two months while the replacement is completed.
For more information go to the Village of Millbrook website, villageofmillbrookny.com
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
