Peekskill officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony today to mark the completion of the two year $73 million renovation of a portion of route 9 that runs through the city.

Four lanes of traffic were officially reopened today for the more than 33,000 vehicles that use the roadway daily.

The massive construction project involved road widening, rock blasting, the replacement of four bridges, new curbs, sidewalks, closed drainage systems and retaining walls.

Speaking on the newly completed Main Street Bridge, Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster said, "We all know how dangerous this iron bridge was and how desperately we needed this DOT project. It was just terrific that we had  such  cooperation from the Department of Transportation. I think we have to admit that the net result is really a very beautiful bridge and a very safe highway."

The ribbon cutting was attended by transportation officials, members of the construction trade that planned, monitored and executed the project as well as  Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and Westchester County Legislator John Testa.

Debbie Milone, President of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce  roadway said the newly-completed project  will "Not only make our roadways safer but will also improve travel making it easier for the thousands of visitors who frequent our city each year to enjoy events that are held in the downtown and spectacular waterfront areas."

Mayor Foster said the city was especially proud and pleased with the communications with the DOT and field crews involved in the actual construction. She says advance communication about the nature of the road closures and such enabled commuters to make the best out of a disruptive situation as the roadway work was completed.

The Peekskill-based Perini Corporation was awarded the contract in May 2008. The project took two and a half years to complete.