POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus has proposed a $2.9 million bond resolution to fund highway and bridge improvements on the county’s 394 miles of roads and 312 bridges.

The total cost of the program is $5.5 million, but the state would fund the $2.6 million difference.

Steinhaus said keeping infrastructure functioning well is an ongoing effort.

“We in county government here in Dutchess have an annual program to be sure that we somewhat keep pace with the demands on our highway and bridge infrastructure,” he said. “That’s a huge and daunting challenge each year because the demands on the infrastructure just seem to grow each year. This particular effort is a comprehensive effort that looks at our 394 mile county highway system and also our county bridges across the county.”

Bridge and culvert projects scheduled to begin this year include replacement of culverts at the intersection of Noxon Road and Titusville Road in the Town of LaGrange and at Violet Hill Road in the Town of Rhinebeck. The Violet Hill Road project will also include improvements to the road’s alignment.

The rehabilitation of the bridge decking on Noxon Road is also planned.

Other work includes pavement management, guide rail replacement, and miscellaneous highway improvements.

The bond request will be discussed by the County Legislature next week with a vote at its June meeting.