Metzger’s Advocacy Helps Prevent Full Closure of Cochecton-Demascus Bridge during Repairs

Sullivan County, NY…Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) welcomed the decision by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to avoid fully closing the Cochecton-Damascus Bridge while it undergoes critical repairs. The bridge is an essential link between Cochecton, New York, and Damascus, Pennsylvania, for emergency vehicles to cross the Delaware River in a timely manner. After meeting with Cochecton Town Supervisor Gary Maas and local businesses and residents in March, Senator Metzger wrote a letter to the DOT Regional Director urging that the Department keep one lane open during construction, and was glad to receive official confirmation today that the Department agreed to the request. 

“The communities on both sides of the river are dependent on the assurance that the bridge provides. Fire trucks, ambulances, and rescue vehicles require access to their destinations via the Cochecton-Damascus Bridge. An alternate route over the closest bridge at Callicoon is 22 miles away--an unacceptable distance in an emergency situation that could jeopardize public safety,” stated Metzger in a letter to NYS Department of Transportation Region 9 Regional Director, Nicholas A. Choubah (attached).

"Our region is already experiencing the severe economic impacts of COVID-19, and I’m pleased to see that DOT was receptive to local voices here in Cochecton who need the Cochecton-Damascus Bridge open for emergency services, business deliveries, and convenient access to local businesses, now more than ever,” said Senator Metzger.

A copy of the letter Senator Metzger sent to DOT can be found HERE, and the Department's response HERE.