Smith Point Bridge Rebuild Costs Double to $150M

Construction on the new bridge in Shirley, NY to begin this spring as repairs continue on the existing span.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:29am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of premium construction materials and tools, including a hardhat, safety goggles, a wrench, and a blueprint, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic seamless background. The objects use sharp, dramatic studio lighting and deep shadows to represent the abstract challenges of infrastructure investment and project management.As the costs for the Smith Point Bridge replacement project in Shirley, NY have doubled, the county faces tough choices in funding critical infrastructure upgrades.Shirley Today

Suffolk County officials have announced that construction on a new Smith Point Bridge in Shirley, New York is expected to begin this spring, with the goal of reopening the existing bridge to two lanes by Memorial Day. The plans for a new bridge date back over a decade, when county officials determined the existing structure was at the end of its lifespan. However, the projected costs for the new bridge have now doubled to $150 million.

Why it matters

The Smith Point Bridge is a critical transportation link for residents and businesses in the Shirley area, providing access to the Fire Island beaches and other South Shore destinations. The aging bridge has required ongoing repairs, and the county's decision to replace it entirely reflects the growing infrastructure challenges facing many communities.

The details

The existing Smith Point Bridge, which opened in 1954, has required extensive repairs in recent years as it nears the end of its expected lifespan. County officials initially estimated the cost of a new bridge at around $75 million, but that figure has now doubled to $150 million due to rising construction costs and other factors. Work on the new bridge is expected to begin this spring, with the goal of reopening the current span to two lanes of traffic by Memorial Day to accommodate summer beachgoers.

  • The existing Smith Point Bridge opened in 1954.
  • Plans for a new bridge were first announced over a decade ago.
  • Construction on the new $150 million bridge is expected to begin this spring.
  • The goal is to reopen the current bridge to two lanes by Memorial Day 2026.

The players

Suffolk County

The county government responsible for overseeing the Smith Point Bridge project and replacement.

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What’s next

County officials will need to secure the necessary funding and permits to begin construction on the new $150 million Smith Point Bridge, with the goal of completing the project within the next few years.

The takeaway

The doubling of costs for the Smith Point Bridge replacement highlights the growing infrastructure challenges facing many communities, as aging bridges and roads require major investments to maintain. The project also underscores the importance of proactive planning and budgeting for critical transportation links.