Rahul Somvanshi
The Breakneck Ridge Metro-North station will close for approximately two years starting April 21, 2025. The closure is part of the first phase of construction for the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail project, a 7.5-mile linear park that will connect the Village of Cold Spring and the City of Beacon.
The station primarily serves weekend hikers heading to Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, with weekend-only service. During the closure, the Breakneck Ridge, Wilkinson Memorial, and Lower Brook trailheads will also be closed, and parking north of the tunnel on State Route 9D will be prohibited.
“When this project is completed, Metro-North riders will once again have direct access to one of New York’s most popular hiking destinations and safer passage to Hudson Highlands State Park,” said Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek. “The renovated and upgraded Breakneck Ridge station will make it more attractive than ever to take the train to the trails.”
What’s Being Built
The Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. (HHFT) will construct the Breakneck Connector trail and a pedestrian bridge over the Metro-North tracks. These improvements will provide hikers with a safer alternative to walking along the narrow shoulders of State Route 9D.
The station renovation will replace the existing low-level platforms with longer, higher platforms equipped with ramps. A new pedestrian and bicycle path will connect the outbound platform directly to the Breakneck Ridge trailhead. Safety improvements will include new lighting, anti-trespass panels, and better signage.
Alternative Options for Hikers
While the popular Breakneck Ridge trails will be closed, other parts of Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve will remain accessible. The Washburn/Cornish trailheads, Notch Trail, and Little Stony Point will stay open during construction.
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Melissa Cascini from the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference told the Daily News that “hikers would still be able to access some of the ridge’s scenic overlooks from adjoining trails, including those accessible from the nearby Cold Spring train station.”
Parking at these alternative locations is limited, and visitors are encouraged to use the train to access these areas.
Benefits of the Project
New York State Parks officials have emphasized the long-term benefits of the project for accessibility and environmental health.
Amy Kacala, Executive Director of the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail, described the project as a “resilience project” that will improve access and help manage increased tourism while restoring the natural ecosystem.
The improvements include:
- Enhanced safety through off-road paths separating hikers from traffic
- Better accessibility with ADA-compliant facilities
- Organized parking areas along Route 9D
- New amenities including restrooms, an information kiosk, and a bike tune-up station
- Environmental improvements through removing invasive vegetation and planting native species
- Improved access points for emergency responders
The Breakneck Ridge station and affected trailheads are expected to reopen after the approximately two-year construction period is complete.
