The reopening of State Route 199 between Schultz Hill Road and Chase Road has been pushed back to mid-September after weather-related setbacks delayed construction, according to the New York State Department of Transportation.
“The New York State Department of Transportation appreciates the public’s patience as we work to complete this important project as expeditiously as possible,” said Heather Pillsworth, a public information officer for the department.
At a Pine Plains Town Board meeting last Thursday, officials offered a more specific timeline, saying the road is now expected to reopen on Sept. 12.
The section of Route 199 closed on June 23 to allow the state to replace the Shekomeko Creek culvert, a structure built around 1909 that engineers deemed unsafe for traffic. The one-tenth-mile closure has forced drivers onto detours throughout the summer while crews remove the century-old culvert and install a modern box culvert designed to improve safety and water flow.
Detour routes remain posted, directing eastbound traffic from Pine Plains north on Route 82 through Ancramdale and onto Winchell Mountain Road to reach Route 22. Westbound drivers from Route 22 are required to take Bean River Road at Pulvers Corners to rejoin Route 199.