PUBLIC NOTICE OF BRIDGE REPLACEMENT   DUTCHESS COUNTY FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECT TO REPLACE BRIDGE RH-16 ON RIVER ROAD (CR 103) IN THE TOWN OF RED HOOK   PIN 8763.09 Replacement of Bridge RH-16 (BIN 3343710), CR 103 (River Rd) Over the Saw Kill Town of Red Hook Dutchess County Public notification and solicitation of public comments for the proposed de minimis use of Section 4(f) resources Dutchess County Department of Public Works (DCDPW) is undertaking a federally funded project to replace bridge RH-16 on River Road (CR 103) in the Town of Red Hook, Dutchess County. The purpose of this proposed project is to address the identified deficiencies with the existing bridge and pedestrian facilities along the above referenced route. The bridge carries both River Road and the Empire State Trail. The bridge replacement project proposes the installation of new sidewalks on each side of the bridge and widening of the travel lanes to 13’ to accommodate both vehicle and bicycle traffic. The new sidewalk will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This project is being progressed as a Class II Categorical Exclusion in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as defined in 23 CFR Part 771.117(c) and as a Type II Action in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) as defined in 17 NYCRR, Part 15. Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act of 1966 protects publicly owned parks and recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic properties. Section 4(f) also requires transportation agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to consider all measures to avoid the use of 4(f) resources. If there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use of a 4(f) property, all possible planning to minimize the use must occur. In cases where the proposed impacts are not adverse and are determined to be minimal, the FHWA can make a de minimis use determination after the public is afforded an opportunity to comment on the use of the park and recreation resources. This proposed undertaking will use an extremely minor portion of the Empire State Trail to construct the project. This area includes: the bridge and approximately 500’ of the highway approaches in both directions. A detour for the trail will be posted that will use Barrytown Road (CR 82), Old Route 199, NYS Route 199, Meadow Dr, Trow Blvd, Colonial Dr, Manor Rd, Aspinwall Rd, and Kelly Rd. The Empire State Trail detour will be signed separately from the detour for motorists, and it’s anticipated that this detour will be in place for 4-6 months during construction of the bridge replacement project. The DCDPW has evaluated alternatives which would minimize the impacts and use of these Section 4(f) properties and finds that these impacts would result in a de minimis use of this Section 4(f) resource. As stipulated in 23 CFR Part 774.5(b)(2)(i), public notice and an opportunity for public comment must be provided prior to making a de minimis use determination for these resources. The public may submit their written comments to the attention of Mathew Dutcavich, P.E., Director of Engineer, Dutchess County DPW, 626 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Comments will be received until April 22, 2026. Related project documents are available as follows: Upon request to dpwengineering@dutchessny.gov, electronic copies will be sent In person at the DCDPW Engineer Division office at 626 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603, M-F between 8A – 4P At the DCDPW Engineering Division’s website at: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Engineering.htm 12198794