Route 120 Detours Starting July 5 Could Cause Summer Traffic Woes

NEW CASTLE, NY — A shutdown of Route 120 and detours could cause traffic heartache for drivers in northern Westchester County over the next six weeks.

New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz announced that the NYS Department of Transportation will soon begin repair work on an underground culvert on Route 120 near the town's duck pond. The culvert was damaged in multiple storms making significant repair work essential to maintain the safety of the road.

The project is expected to have a duration of six weeks, lasting until August 18.

Chappaqua will still be accessible, but during the construction period beginning on July 5, there will be some detours for passenger cars, vans, and buses:

• Vehicles traveling northbound should follow the local detour at Route 120 and Douglas Road.
• Vehicles traveling southbound should follow the detour at Route 120 and Kipp Street.

Commercial trucks will need to follow posted truck detour signs.

The town supervisor wrote on social media that the upcoming project will "temporarily disrupt our daily lives but is crucial for the safety and stability of our town. While I understand that construction can be disruptive and certainly frustrating, I urge all of us to approach this endeavor with a positive mindset and a shared commitment to our community's well-being."

The Department of Transportation originally planned on keeping one lane open and having the project last six months, according to Katz. However, the town asked that the road be completely closed during the summer so that the work could be completed in six weeks. She added that emergency services and bus transportation have been involved in the project.

The town supervisor asked residents to have patience and understanding, plan for extra travel time, make an extra effort to support local businesses, and to adhere to all safety precautions.

"I have faith in the unwavering spirit of our town and its remarkable residents. Let's deal with these temporary annoyances with patience, understanding, and a collective optimism for a better future," Katz said. "Thank you for you cooperation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to New Castle's well-being."