Despite rainy conditions, the Greene County Highway Department began preliminary repairs Monday on the historic stone arch bridge atop Platte Clove Road, also known as the Back Mountain Road.
The work marks a significant first step in a long-anticipated effort to stabilize the aging 1895 bridge, perched above the steep and scenic Bridal Veil Falls.
“We moved the entire south parapet wall using excavators to prevent the bridge from sliding into the falls,” said Greene County Highway Superintendent Scott Templeton. “The parapet walls were hanging 18 to 20 inches off the deck. It could have gone poorly, but our guys did an excellent job. Once everything was prepped, the move took about 25 minutes.”
The aptly named Hell’s Hole Bridge, adjacent to the falls, underscores the urgency of preserving this vulnerable historic structure. According to Templeton, the bridge has been gradually shifting over the years—particularly on the southern, downhill side. A 2021 department study confirmed the movement, which Templeton attributes to runoff and the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle.
“It definitely moved this winter,” he said. “More than in any season we’ve tracked.”
David Kukle, a Hunter town councilman and president of the Mountain Cloves Scenic Byway, has also documented the bridge’s shifting position.
A public meeting held last June at the Town of Hunter Town Hall outlined preliminary design plans. Templeton and Erik LeClair of CDM Smith, an Albany-based engineering firm, presented a proposal that includes removing the existing fill, installing a reinforced concrete slab beneath the road, and topping it with asphalt. The new concrete will extend into parapet walls faced with salvaged original stone to maintain the bridge’s historic character.
“We’re doing our best to meet modern design standards while preserving the bridge’s look,” Templeton said Wednesday. “The parapet wall is a mix of unreinforced masonry and several generations of patchwork. We’re securing it for the season.”
LeClair noted that falsework would be installed under the arch during construction for added support. Portions of the stonework will be repaired to mitigate drainage damage. The current corrugated steel barrier will be replaced with a timber guide rail backed by steel posts, improving safety for drivers and hikers alike.
The $1.2 million project is funded primarily through the state’s BridgeNY program, with a $64,000 local match. Full construction is expected to begin in spring 2026.
In the meantime, the county is working to ensure the bridge is safe ahead of the May 8 seasonal opening of Platte Clove Mountain Road.
“A big thank you to the Greene County Highway Department!” Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney wrote in a Facebook post. “On behalf of the Town of Hunter, we appreciate this crew braving the rain to make important repairs to the historic bridge. This is the last bridge on Platte Clove Road before reaching Platte Clove Mountain Road, our seasonal limited-use highway currently in the early planning phases of a full renovation, anticipated to begin next year. We’re grateful for the efforts to preserve and improve this important piece of our local history and infrastructure.”
Kukle, who was present during Monday’s work, echoed the sentiment.
“It was wonderful to see the County marshaling its forces to save the laid-stone parapet wall of the Platte Clove Mountain Road Stone Arch Bridge, which has moved substantially this past winter, from falling into ‘Hell’s Hole,'” he said. Kukle added that he’s looking forward to the next phase of the project, which he said will “protect the historical values of the bridge,” calling it a “masterpiece.”
Max Oppen is a contributing journalist. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.
