Mural Unveiled Beneath Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to Celebrate Regional Connector Initiative

(Newburgh, N.Y.) – Local partners gathered today underneath the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge to unveil a new mural showcasing the Regional Connector, a proposed 1-mile walking and biking path that would link with existing or future trails in the area.

Funding for the “Connecting Communities” mural was provided by the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® and the Dutchess County Association of REALTORS® to The Fullerton, a Newburgh-based non-profit. In-kind services and mural space were provided by the New York State Bridge Authority.

The mural consists of a map showcasing existing trails available for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as an emerging network of proposed or planned trails in the vicinity of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. This marks a juncture in the Mid-Hudson Valley where various projects are intersecting, forming a rich regional network for commuters and recreation users. Notable local projects include the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, Quassaick Creek Trail, Fishkill Hudson River Trail, and Newburgh 9W Connector. The mural symbolizes community support for sustainable connectivity and highlights efforts to raise awareness for the project that will link trails and provide critical regional access.

The mural can be viewed under the south span (carrying eastbound traffic) of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, along Grand Avenue in Newburgh. The mural is located next to the ramp to the bridge’s pedestrian walkway and a bicycle repair station. The bridge’s pedestrian walkway is open 24/7. A parking lot is available during daylight hours on Grand Avenue, next to the bridge’s north span.

Trail advocates plan for an event in the spring, funded through a Hudson River Valley Greenway grant, to showcase the mural and raise awareness about pedestrian and bicycling trails in the Newburgh-Beacon area.

More information about the Regional Connector can be found through social media @regionalconnector.hv.  

About the New York State Bridge Authority

The New York State Bridge Authority operates the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff and Rip Van Winkle Bridges. It also owns and maintains the structure of the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge. The Authority receives no operating funding through state or federal tax dollars, with nearly all of its revenue coming through tolls. Tolls are reinvested back into capital improvements on the Authority's spans, ensuring these critical pieces of infrastructure can continue serving the Hudson Valley for decades to come.

About Regional Connector

The Regional Connector project is a planned one-mile bicycle and pedestrian path along the Hudson River linking the Beacon Metro-North train station with the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge. The Regional Connector provides needed safety improvements for last-mile commuters who bike and walk in the area while increasing the available recreation opportunities, reducing automobile gas emissions, augmenting employment opportunities, boosting regional tourism, and creating critical investment in underserved communities. To learn more, follow regionalconnector.hv.  

About Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS®

The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association consisting of over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.

About Dutchess County Association of REALTORS®

The Dutchess County Association of REALTORS® serves, supports and inspires excellence in the real estate community. Established in 1940, their mission is to provide programs and services to support and enhance their member’s ability to excel and to better serve the communities in which they work and live.