The mission of the New York State Bridge Authority is that imposed by the Bridge Authority Act, currently Sections 525 to 542 of the New York Public Authorities Law, to maintain and operate the vehicle crossings of the Hudson River entrusted to its jurisdiction for the economic and social benefit of the people of the State.

The crossings enumerated in the statute are the Rip Van Winkle Bridge between Hudson and Catskill, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Mid-Hudson Bridge between Poughkeepsie and Highland, the parallel Newburgh-Beacon Bridges, and the Bear Mountain Bridge.

The Authority believes its mandate imposes a responsibility to provide reliable, safe, and convenient access across the river to all lawful traffic and to achieve that goal within the framework of a sound long-term financial policy.