A major traffic disruption is expected to begin this week as the New York State Department of Transportation prepares to shut down a stretch of Route 59 over South Pascack Road for a lengthy bridge rehabilitation project first reported by Monsey Scoop in early April.

According to the DOT, the closure is now scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 26, immediately following Memorial Day weekend, and is expected to remain in effect through just before Labor Day in early September. The agency had previously announced a May 21 start date before revising the timeline.

The project involves reconstruction and modernization work on the bridge carrying Route 59 over South Pascack Road in Spring Valley. Officials say the bridge must be upgraded to meet current design and safety standards.

The closure will impact a busy 0.1-mile stretch of Route 59 between New Clarkstown Road and the area near the Shell gas station. Both vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be prohibited from crossing the bridge during construction.

Motorists traveling westbound on Route 59 will be detoured south onto Forman Drive, north onto South Pascack Road, west on Pipetown Hill Road, and north on South Central Avenue before reconnecting with Route 59.

Traffic on South Pascack Road underneath the bridge is also expected to experience periodic stoppages during active construction operations, with flaggers directing alternating traffic flow.

Pedestrians affected by the closure will be required to follow the same detour route, though the DOT says a complimentary taxi shuttle service will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. to assist walkers around the construction zone.

Despite the extended closure, state officials say all local businesses in the area will remain open and accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Commuters are urged to plan for significant delays and allow for additional travel time throughout the summer construction period.