Nimham Extension Trail Stream Crossings Progress

Deconstruction of 20th-Century Additions Begins

Crews began deconstruction of the 20th-century additions made to the original Dutchess Manor, beginning with the northern ballroom (circa 1960).

This deconstruction process is an early stage of work at Dutchess Manor that tells us the condition of the historic shell of the building and informs our restoration efforts. Combined with images taken from the historic wall probes done on the interior north wall, this information will help Stephen Tilly, Architect and Peterson Rich Office finalize the plans for their historic preservation work.

Continued Work on Northern Portion of Breakneck Connector Trail

The steep natural slope in this area requires an elevated trail to ensure an ADA-compliant grade that allows all trail users to descend and ascend this portion of trail safely and access the train station.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Continued Work on Southern Portion of Breakneck Connector Trail

Work continues on the pedestrian path that will go from Breakneck Bridge eastern landing to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Nimham Extension Trail Stream Crossings Progress

Retaining Wall for Southern Portion of Breakneck Connector Trail Installed

This work increases the available surface for the wider pedestrian path that will go from Breakneck Bridge eastern landing to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Drainage Work Continues

Drainage work on the west side of Route 9D will ensure adequate and efficient stormwater drainage in the area to the east of the Metro-North Railroad tracks.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Piles and Drainage Installed for Northern Portion of Connector Trail

The steep natural slope in this area requires an elevated trail to ensure an ADA-compliant grade that allows all trail users to descend and ascend this portion of trail safely and access the train station.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Connector Trail Clearing and Grubbing

Site preparation work completed ahead of pile installation. The trail will descend from the Metro-North Railroad pedestrian overpass, and continue down to eventually join with the Breakneck Bridge.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

West Side Pilings Placed

Piles are installed on the west side of Route 9D. Piles will be used to support a wider pedestrian path from the Breakneck Bridge eastern landing to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Progress on Nimham Extension trail

Building Bridges on the Nimham Extension trail

Parallel Parking Paving

Work on the east side of Route 9D makes way for the future Breakneck connector.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

West Side Clearing and Grubbing

Work on the west side of Route 9D makes way for the future Breakneck connector.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Drainage Work Continues on East Side of Route 9D

Continued drainage improvements include swales, drainage structures, and culverts.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Sidewalks and Curbs Installed on East Side of Route 9D

The newly graded area along the east side of Route 9D was prepped for sidewalk and curb installation this week, and concrete sidewalks began to be poured and finished. These sidewalks will provide safe passage for pedestrians in the Breakneck corridor as they travel to trailheads.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Work Begins on Wade’s Hill Parking Lot and Nimham Extension trail

Construction Resumes

Work in the corridor resumes with the continuation of drainage improvements including headwall and riprap installation on the east side of Route 9D.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Utility Poles Removed from West Side of Route 9D

Utility poles on the west side of Route 9D have been removed by Central Hudson crews, revealing a full, unobstructed view of Storm King Mountain and Bannerman Island along this section of the Route 9D Scenic Byway. Utility poles were relocated to the east side of the road. This work marks significant progress in the early stages of the Breakneck Connector and Bridge project, as it allows for the construction of the new Metro-North Breakneck Ridge station, the Breakneck Connector trail, enhanced crosswalks, and amenities like restrooms and wayfinding signage.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Travel Lane Established

Crews worked to install a temporary shifted travel lane that, once open, will help minimize single lane traffic patterns throughout construction of BNC and bridge

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Drainage Improvement Work and Utility Relocation Preparation

Crews installed a swale adjacent to Route 9D, which will improve drainage conditions at the highway shoulder and prevent future washout of pavement. A drainage structure and drainage piping were also installed along the east side of 9D.

Additionally, saw-cutting work was conducted on Route 9D to allow for utilities to cross from the east side of 9D to the west side, one of the final steps needed before the old utility poles are removed from the west side.

Throughout this work, boulders are being collected from excavated areas to be used at Breakneck Connector and in other places along the Fjord Trail.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Installation of Underground Conduits for Utility Relocation

Last week, crews excavated on the east side of Route 9D and on the road itself, and installed underground conduits that will enable the relocation of Central Hudson utilities from the west to the east side of the highway. The underground conduits were then covered with concrete and—on the east side of the road the concrete will soon be covered by soil, grass, and low plants. Asphalt was installed to cover the trench across 9D.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Critical Drainage Improvements Made Along Route 9D

This week, crews performed excavation on the east side of Route 9D and installed a replacement culvert on the south end of the Breakneck Connector site. This structure replaces an existing NYS Department Of Transportation (DOT) culvert, and will bring improved drainage capacity in the DOT right of way. The need to increase drainage capacity has grown more pressing due to increased heavy rain events related to climate change, which overwhelm the existing system and cause washouts and erosion.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project

Rock Collection Ongoing on East Side of Route 9D

As site work continues, rocks from the construction area are being set aside for future incorporation into Fjord Trail’s landscape design. This hyper-local and less carbon-intensive alternative to sourcing rock from quarries will be integral to the project’s intentional blending with and retreat into the surrounding landscape.

Visit breakneck.info to learn more about the Breakneck Connector project