Metro-North opens Sixth Ave. Bridge after emergency repairs

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Railraod reopened the Sixth Avenue Bridge in Mount Vernon, N.Y., on schedule at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 24. The 117-year-old bridge that carries Sixth Avenue/Wilson Place over the New Haven Line railroad tracks was closed on July 18th for emergency repairs to the steel floor beam that supports the bridge's wooden stringers and deck. "It was an aggressive schedule and we are pleased that these important repairs have been made," said Metro-North President Howard Permut. "Metro-North will continue to work with the city to develop an overall approach to address access needs over the railroad. At the same time, we seek the support of our state and federal partners to meet the funding needs of our capital program." "My administration has been working in tandem with Metro-North and other partners in government as part of an overall infrastructure improvement strategy for our city," noted Mount Vernon Mayor Clinton Young. "The bridges in the city are primarily owned by Metro-North and are in dire need of attention. I commend Metro-North for stepping up to the plate to address these issues." The mayor also thanked the railroad for the 18-month replacement of the Park Avenue Bridge, which was completed in April. "We will continue our efforts in partnering with Metro-North to rehabilitate the other bridges in the city," stated Mayor Young.