No Word Yet On Future Of Ponquogue Bridge After Sudden Closure

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Days after the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays was closed until further notice Friday, no definitive answers have been given about what the future holds for the structure.

Ryan Murphy, Southampton Town public safety and emergency management administrator, told Patch Wednesday that Suffolk County officials have indicated that they are expecting further analysis sometime Thursday, regarding the results from the re-inspection that took place on Monday, February 24.

"That information will then need to be evaluated to see what options exist for the path forward," Murphy said. "We remain hopeful that they will be able to at least open in a limited capacity to accommodate some of the normal use."

Other than initial information that town officials received, "indicating that there was some spalling of concrete found," Murphy said that so far, town officials have not learned of any additional, detailed information about the issues identified.

Sspalling means that concrete has broken down and chipped away, sometimes leading it to be "compromised", according to Dalinghaus Contruction.

Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore said the town received word Friday from Suffolk County that the Suffolk County Department of Public Works had closed the bridge until further notice.

On Friday, Murphy sent out a release that said the bridge was closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions.

"The town was informed that, while the NYSDOT was conducting a routine inspection of the bridge on February 20, conditions were identified that have since resulted in the closing of the bridge. County and state engineers continue to analyze the data in an effort to determine what additional action may be necessary," the release said.

"Until such time as the Ponquogue Bridge reopens, residents and visitors are asked to pursue alternate means of accessing Dune Road. Residents and visitors are also urged to be mindful of the potential traffic impacts to other bridges and roadways that might provide access."

The notice continued: "As the town becomes aware of additional information, or a projected timeline for the reopening of the bridge, we will share that information."

"Due to an abundance of caution, the Ponquogue Bridge in Southampton has been closed. Motorists are advised to utilize alternative routes until further notice," a Suffolk County spokesperson told Patch.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to enroll in alerts from Southampton Town via the Notify Me messaging system here.