Newburgh–Beacon Bridge, Steel cantilever bridge in Hudson Valley, New York
The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge consists of two parallel steel frameworks extending 7,855 feet (2,394 meters) between Orange and Dutchess counties while rising 135 feet (41.1 meters) above the Hudson River. Both truss structures rest on massive steel piers anchored in rocky riverbed and carry continuous roadway decks for traffic in each direction.
The north cantilever opened in 1963, replacing a ferry service that had operated between both shores since the 18th century. The south parallel structure followed in 1980 to handle increasing traffic flow through the mid-Hudson Valley.
The structure carries an honorary title naming two generations of congressmen from New York who shared the same name. This commemoration appears only on official documents, while locals continue using the geographic designation connecting both shores.
The crossing carries Interstate 84 and New York State Route 52 in both directions, with electronic toll collection only for eastbound vehicles. Wind can be noticeable on the roadway deck, particularly for larger vehicles approaching the span over open water.
The construction uses weathering steel throughout, forming a protective rust patina over time that prevents further corrosion. At completion, it set the world record for the longest bridge ever built with this self-healing material.
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