Oscaleta Road reopens in Lewisboro following emergency culvert repair

LEWISBORO, N.Y. - Oscaleta Road has reopened to traffic following a temporary repair to a collapsed culvert, town officials announced Thursday.

According to the Town of Lewisboro Highway Department, the roadway reopened at approximately 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 with alternating one-lane traffic across the repair site. Officials cautioned that drivers should expect delays as traffic is being managed in both directions over the single lane.

Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves credited the Highway Department for its rapid response in restoring access along the key roadway.

The culvert, which connects two lakes beneath Oscaleta Road, collapsed on the morning of March 15, prompting an immediate closure and a coordinated response from local and regional agencies. Lewisboro officials quickly notified nearby first responders, including those in North Salem, as well as the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, to minimize disruption and ensure emergency access planning.

In the days following the collapse, town officials worked closely with engineering consultants, state and county representatives, and the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to determine both short- and long-term solutions.

During a multi-agency meeting on March 17, the town learned it may be able to accelerate the full culvert replacement through the DOT’s “Superbox” program. The program utilizes a pre-approved, pre-cast concrete box culvert design, potentially reducing the project timeline by up to a year.

The original design called for a 16-foot by 10-foot culvert opening. The Superbox option would expand that to 20 feet by 10 feet, improving water flow between the lakes while expediting construction. The project is currently in the design phase and funded through a BridgeNY grant awarded to the town.

Meanwhile, efforts to reopen the road moved forward under emergency authorization. After securing approval from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Highway Department cleared debris from the failed structure and installed temporary piping to restore water flow.

The temporary fix includes three culvert pipes—two measuring 48 inches in diameter and a third 36-inch pipe to accommodate overflow. Once installed and backfilled, crews were able to establish the temporary single-lane roadway now in use.

Town officials say additional updates will be provided as work progresses on the permanent replacement.