It was assigned in the early 1930s and served as a connector between NY 9G and what was once a ferry landing on the Hudson River west of the village.

The highway went southward from the ferry landing, paralleling the Hudson River for a short distance before it turned eastward and traversed a pair of hills as it approached the center of the village.

[5][6] The route proceeded eastward through the village center, an area comprising homes, businesses, and St. Sylvia's Church.

It exited the area upon intersecting Clay Hill Road, at which point NY 402 changed names from Broadway to Mill Street.

[citation needed] When NY 402 was assigned, it was one of two routes that served solely as a connector between a through highway and a ferry landing.