NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 7, 2025) — The New York State Thruway Authority announced Thursday that demolition work on the North Avenue bridge over the New England Thruway (I-95) in New Rochelle will begin Wednesday, March 12, weather permitting, requiring overnight lane closures and traffic stoppages over the next three weeks.
The $31.8 million bridge replacement project, which began in January 2023, entered its latest phase in January 2025. The upcoming demolition will focus on removing the center section of the aging bridge, with most work occurring at night to minimize traffic disruptions and ensure worker safety.
Starting as early as 10 p.m. on weeknights, two of three lanes in each direction on I-95 will close, reopening by 5 a.m. Multiple traffic stoppages of up to 20 minutes will occur on both I-95 and North Avenue to allow cranes to remove large steel sections. North Avenue will also see closures from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on most work nights, with New Rochelle police and flaggers directing traffic.
Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes around the work zone after 8 p.m. to avoid delays. Variable message signs will provide real-time updates, and the Thruway Authority’s Facebook and X accounts will post the latest advisories.
Currently, northbound traffic on North Avenue (toward City Hall) uses the bridge’s new outer lane, while southbound traffic (toward Main Street) is detoured at Lockwood Avenue to Memorial Highway. This pattern will remain in place until later this year, when the bridge’s center section is replaced.
The project has already transformed local traffic flow. Since 2023, southbound drivers must follow the Lockwood Avenue detour, while first responders, cars, buses, and vehicles with three or fewer axles can access the northbound lane. Left turns from Garden Street to North Avenue are banned, and Burling Lane remains closed between North Avenue and May Street. Pedestrian and bicycle access over I-95 remains open via the walkway connecting Burling Lane and the train station.
The original North Avenue bridge, built in 1958, connects North Avenue, Garden Street, Burling Lane, and Station Plaza North. When completed later this year, the new bridge will be wider, with a vertical clearance of 16 feet 6 inches—up from 14 feet 3 inches—improving traffic flow and safety. Contractor J. D’Annunzio & Sons, Inc., has installed foundations and outer components, including 130-foot steel girders, since the project began.
Extended full closures are planned later this year to erect new steel, with details to be announced closer to the date. Digital message boards and physical signs are in place to guide motorists and pedestrians through the work zone. Speeding fines are doubled in the area, and drivers are urged to obey posted limits.
For more information, including maps and photos, visit the Thruway Authority’s project page.