Breakneck Ridge MN station to close / rebuild

Breakneck Ridge MN station will close by years end and the layout redone. Apparently there is too much foot traffic crossing the road from the station and also the trail has been degraded from overuse.

WHY IS BREAKNECK CLOSING? WHEN WILL IT REOPEN?
http://wpdh.com/why-is-breakneck-closin ... e-details/

The project will address many safety concerns that currently exist. Here's what will be done:

• Create a pedestrian and bicycle path connection between the Breakneck Ridge Metro-North train stop and the Breakneck Ridge trailhead to keep pedestrians out of the roadway
• Replace the Breakneck Ridge train platforms with ADA-accessible platforms that will decrease the time hikers need to exit the train, avoiding delays on the Hudson Line caused by the current platforms
• Demarcate on-street parking and emergency vehicle staging along Route 9D in the half-mile section north of the Breakneck tunnel, and eliminating nose-in and other dangerous parking conditions
• Pave and stripe the current dirt parking area, including designated space for three emergency vehicles, bathroom facilities and a trolley stop
• Reduce the speed limit on Route 9D from 55 to 40 mph and add enhanced pedestrian crossings and other features to improve safety.
• Add a new welcome center for NY-NJ Trail Conference trail orientations at the Breakneck Ridge trailhead, including new trailhead signs and other wayfinding

Popular Hiking Trail to Close for Construction
The entire area surrounding Breakneck Ridge will close at the end of the year for repairs and new additions.
http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Popu ... efinitely/

The temporary closure will allow for the restoration of the existing trail, which has been eroded by its popularity, as well as the removal of local graffiti. At the same time, an approximately one-half mile long pedestrian/bike path connecting the trailhead to the Breakneck Ridge Metro-North stop will be created. Designated parking and no-parking areas along Route 9D in Coldspring will also be constructed, in an effort to improve safety conditions of hikers entering the trail from the road. All this will occur alongside the current Hudson Highland Fjord Trail project.

Restoration efforts will be paid for by the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation Department, while the additional construction will be funded by Scenic Hudson and the Hudson Highlands Land Trust. Assuming contractor bids are approved, the closure is expected to take effect January 1, 2018 as reported and last until approximately April 2019. Further construction updates will be posted to the Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail website.

I've been told by many locals that hike it regularly that it has taken a beating in recent years as a result of the citiots that go up there for day trips.

I don't know what kind of "improvements" there is going to be from the trail itself. There is supposed improved trail heads, high level platforms, fencing along the right of way and some sort of welcome center.

I will say the high level platforms (done right) and fencing off the right of way are improvements in its self.

Unrelated, there have been passenger counts the last two days at Manitou for possible station improvements.