Expected to restart work in spring; be open by late summer
Much of the progress was handled by local contractors, such as tree removal and demolition of existing concrete structures by Treestalkers. Contributed photo by Treestalkers
Gary Myers Construction is one of many local contractors that stepped in; they were tasked with grubbing and abutment demolition. Contributed photo by Gary Myers Construction
Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 6:10 am
Vincent Kurzrock, Sullivan County Democrat
FALLSBURG – Work on the Neversink Crossing Pedestrian bridge is entering the final phase, with county and trail officials expecting the long-awaited project to be open to the public by the end of this summer.
This project marks a major milestone in the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail in the Town of Fallsburg, which spans the Neversink River and connects two existing portions of the rail trail, making the longest continuous stretch of the trail completed to date. While construction has currently come to a stop for the winter season, project officials state that progress is still on the rails, and momentum will steam ahead come the spring.
“Construction is currently shut down for the winter, but the project is expected to be completed by August of this year, barring any unforeseen delays,” assured Helen Budrock, chair of the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail Alliance. The project was bid last February, with Sullivan County Paving & Construction of Cochecton having been picked as the low bidder.
Budrock stated that although a pre-construction meeting had been held in June, the Town of Fallsburg was required to complete a preliminary grading and site preparation so the contractor could move forward. Because of this delay, full construction hadn’t started until late October.
“I’ve been involved with this project as a volunteer for well over 20 years, and I can’t believe we are so close to finishing a project that for such a long time felt like a pipe dream,” stated Budrock.
For Budrock, this project represents the culmination of decades of planning, with her crediting Sullivan County for stepping in as an active partner to assist in the project’s progression.
Upon completion, the pedestrian bridge is expected to change how residents and visitors experience the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail. Heather Jacksy, the director of planning for Sullivan County’s Division of Planning, Community Development and Environmental Management, states that the bridge will turn disconnected trail segments into a destination-scale resource.
“The pedestrian bridge will connect two existing trail sections and will create a length of trail that will have a more regional draw, while providing a more substantial trail resource for residents,” Jacksy stated, highlighting that the bridge will also offer scenic views of the Neversink River.
The Neversink Crossing is considered a critical link in the long-term effort to build a nearly 50-mile countywide rail trail. While roughly 26 miles of the trail have been completed, it mostly exists in smaller, unconnected segments with different surfaces.
“The Neversink Crossing will complete the longest continuous section of trail and create a resource that can bring in a regional group,” Jacksy stated.
As with any project, not everything is going to be smooth sailing, and this one is no different. It had faced hurdles like the securing of approximately $3.5 million funding and navigation of the federal environmental permitting process, a task that took almost five years. Other delays came about when construction costs had risen and the project’s scope had to be adjusted, both during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Town of Fallsburg had some responsibility shifted to it in regard to site preparation: they coordinated work in a remote area that had significant grade changes near the river. Local contractors worked on temporary easements, demolition of existing concrete structures, and seasonal tree-clearing deadlines.
“All of that happened within the span of four or five months over the spring and summer of 2025 and involved a huge amount of coordination,” Budrock explained.
As the project edges closer to completion, officials note that residents should anticipate construction-related impacts. For example, the bridge structure, made in Alabama, is anticipated to come in two sections about 90 feet long, which will potentially necessitate temporary road detours or even closures. Woodridge’s River Road Trailhead will also serve as an active construction and staging area.
With the bridge in, Budrock stated that pedestrians will be able to enjoy a two-mile hike out-and-back to the Fallsburg railroad tunnel, anticipated to be a popular locale. This will be especially true as Jacksy states that rail trails are designed to serve a wide range of users.
“Rail trails have very little elevation change and offer a car-free walking and biking experience,” stated Jacksy. “A large portion of the trail is ADA compliant, and the whole trail will offer opportunities for people of all abilities.”
Those interested in staying engaged and up to date are encouraged to follow the Sullivan O&W Rail Trail on social media, visit its website, or come out to annual trail events held throughout the year.