Was in the area today so did a quick recon. Little if any meaningful difference to what I posted about 18 months or so ago other than some new signage, with one exception. There are signs of new construction between Putnam Ave and North Main in Brewster. This the spot that has to span the active Metro North tracks. If you look at the Empire State Trail documentation there are two different means to do this in the diagrams. One looks like they literally intent to span the tracks (a bridge? they certainly wouldn't allow a grade level crossing of an active rail line). The other suggests they'll have people go down Putnam, cross the tracks using Rt6, then come back up North Main. That would be sub-optimal as well since that intersection isn't great for cars as it is, and would be even worse for bikes or pedestrians. Or perhaps one is short term while the longer term solution is created. The construction at this spot certainly looks like they are prep'ing to come over the tracks directly but it's not clear just how yet.

The seeming lack of progress is probably logical. The EST documentation said 2019 is heavily weighted to engineering and design issues, there are a lot of bridges and underpasses that need to be rebuilt (or built period) and they called out areas with drainage issues to solve for. 2020 was indicated as more heavily weighted toward construction. I haven't seen anything in the past 12 months or so that indicates if they are on schedule, ahead or behind.

I'll keep watching this though. The idea that the link from Brewster to Hopewell Junction isn't all that far away is pretty appealing.