The weight limit for vehicles traveling on Peekskill Hollow Road

The weight limit for vehicles traveling on Peekskill Hollow Road will remain in effect for at least another two years while construction on the historic road continues, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell announced.

The temporary 12-ton weight limit that was imposed by the Putnam County Legislature in 2013 will stay in place while the road construction takes place from Adam’s Corners to Oregon Corners. The work includes resurfacing, drainage the repair of two bridges – one crossing Hollow Brook Creek and the other at Oregon Corners.  The five-mile long project is expected to take about 2 ½ years to complete.

Odell, Putnam County Highway Commissioner Fred Pena and other county and town officials met with Putnam Valley Supervisor Sam Oliverio to work out the plan.

“This is a sensible compromise,” Odell said.  “It will make the road safe while construction is taking place and give us time to figure out how to resolve the issues while leaving the weight limit that some residents have asked for in place.”

Putnam County Highway Commissioner Fred Pena had initially proposed removing the weight limit on Peekskill Hollow Road, a 15-mile road that runs directly from Route 301 in Kent to the Westchester boarder.  The weight limit was forcing truck drivers onto smaller and more dangerous roads, Pena said, and he suggested lifting the weight limit for safety reasons.

Pena agreed with Odell’s suggestion to wait until the road work was complete.  Oliverio also agreed.

“When the road construction project is over, we can reevaluate the safety of Peekskill Hollow Road,” Oliverio said. “Then the town can move forward with perhaps some alternative truck routes. Kudos to MaryEllen Odell for her leadership on this. It makes sense to wait until the construction is over, you certainly don’t want 18-wheelers buzzing down the roadway while construction vehicles are working.”