A key stretch of Route 59 in the Village of Spring Valley will be closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic beginning around May 21 through approximately Labor Day, as crews undertake major bridge rehabilitation work.

The closure will impact the section of Route 59 that crosses over South Pascack Road, spanning roughly 0.1 miles from New Clarkstown Road to the area near the Shell gas station. The roadway runs through portions of both Clarkstown and Ramapo.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the project will upgrade the aging bridge to meet modern safety and design standards. Work includes increasing the structure’s load-bearing capacity and widening travel lanes and sidewalks. Officials say the work is essential to ensure long-term safety and reliability of the roadway, and crews will be working to complete it as quickly as possible.

During construction, all traffic will be detoured around the closure using a route just under one mile long. Drivers will be directed south on Foreman Drive, north on South Pascack Road, west on Pipetown Hill Road, and north on South Central Avenue before reconnecting with Route 59. Pedestrians will follow the same path, though a complimentary taxi service will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to help transport people around the construction zone.

Despite the closure, all businesses along the affected stretch of Route 59 will remain accessible to customers throughout the duration of the project.

Motorists traveling on South Pascack Road should also expect delays, as flaggers will direct alternating traffic while work is underway above the bridge. During off-hours, both directions of traffic are expected to remain open.

Officials noted that while keeping part of the roadway open with alternating traffic was considered, that option would have extended construction to nearly two years. A full closure allows the project to be completed much faster, with contractors also incentivized to finish on time.

The NYSDOT is urging residents and commuters to plan ahead and use alternate routes whenever possible to minimize disruptions during the construction period.