One Rockland road project's ending soon. The other one? Wait 'til next year

A pair of construction projects that closed roads and detoured traffic in the Town of Haverstraw have residents griping, although one of the jobs appears close to conclusion.

Construction of a traffic circle and sidewalks at the corner of Thiells-Mount Ivy Road and Suffern Lane/Hammond Road have resulted in road closures and detours since around July 1.

The circle will eliminate traffic lights and keep traffic flowing at the intersection, according to the Rockland County Highway Department.

Neighbors and residents have suggested that inconvenience caused by the project this summer would worsen when classes begin in September at North Rockland High School nearby on Hammond Road.

A post on the North Rockland Community Facebook page drew dozens of comments, most bemoaning the delays and disruption caused by the project.

The project is likely to take a full year, with an estimated completion date of June 27, 2025, according to the Highway Department, which posted a pair of maps detailing the closures and detours.

Meanwhile, a bridge rehabilitation project that started in June that has closed Call Hollow Road between Willow Grove Road and Anthony J. Morina Drive should be wrapping up this month.

The work includes repairs and waterproofing of the bridge over the Minisceongo Creek just south of Willow Grove Road. A 140-foot-long retaining wall has been built along the stream and road to the south of the bridge.

Traffic has been redirected around the project site along Willow Grove Road, Letchworth Village Road, Ridge Road, Thiells-Mt Ivy Road, Route 202 and Camp Hill Road.

Paving was scheduled for Aug. 7 and a new guide rail is scheduled to be put in place the week of Aug. 17  - with all work depending on the weather. The job is being done by HVB Construction.

If the project remains on schedule, Call Hollow could open by Aug. 22 or 23, according to the county Highway Department.

Robert Brum is a freelance journalist who writes about the Hudson Valley. Contact him and read his work at robertbrum.com.