The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded a contract for the design and reconstruction of three aging roadway bridges that cross the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Montauk Branch, marking the start of a $51 million infrastructure improvement project on Long Island’s East End.
The project will replace the Sagg Road Bridge in Sagaponack, Cranberry Hole Road Bridge in Amagansett, and River Avenue Bridge in Eastport. Officials say the new structures will improve public safety, meet modern engineering standards and provide reliable crossings for decades to come.
New bridges designed for today’s transportation needs
Each replacement bridge will be built to comply with current roadway, structural and railroad clearance requirements.
The project includes:
- Demolition of the existing bridge structures
- Construction of new bridges and retaining walls
- Reconstruction of roadway approaches
- Drainage system upgrades
- Other supporting infrastructure improvements
According to the MTA, final design work is expected to be completed by January 2027, with demolition beginning later this year. The entire project is scheduled for completion by July 2028.
Aging structures nearing the end of their service life
The three bridges were originally constructed between 1895 and 1921 and carry local traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch.
Years of deterioration have left the timber bridges in poor condition despite ongoing maintenance efforts. Officials said repeated use by overweight vehicles exceeding posted weight limits has accelerated structural damage.
As a result, both the Cranberry Hole Road Bridge and the River Avenue Bridge have been closed to vehicles and pedestrians since 2023 and early 2024, respectively, due to safety concerns.
The replacement project will provide modern bridge structures capable of supporting current traffic demands while improving railroad safety below.
State invests in long-term infrastructure improvements
Governor Kathy Hochul said replacing the aging crossings is part of New York’s continued investment in transportation infrastructure across Long Island.
She noted that alongside major transit projects, upgrading smaller but critical transportation assets will improve safety and mobility for local communities while extending the lifespan of essential infrastructure.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said replacing aging infrastructure remains a key priority under the agency’s capital program.
Although the bridges primarily serve road traffic rather than rail operations, he noted that their location above active LIRR tracks makes reconstruction essential for protecting both motorists and rail service.
Once completed, the new bridges are expected to provide safer travel for East End residents while supporting uninterrupted Long Island Rail Road operations for many years.
