Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard ordered for the immediate closure of a bridge on the city’s southeast side following a state inspection.

The New York State Department of Transportation inspected the bridge at Fulton Avenue and Third Street and told the city it has six weeks to fix the four steel columns supporting the street.

However, city officials say they can’t take the risk of overweight vehicles on the road and will immediately close the bridge and reroute traffic.

“Within the next 24 hours, resources to close all access to vehicular traffic as it is an immediate concern to the health and safety of our residents,” says Commissioner Damani Bush.

The mayor adds, “We are acting to protect public safety.”

The city is also working with Westchester County, the Beeline Bus System, and the countywide emergency response divisions to ensure access to public safety services.