Governor Hochul Announces Major Capital Region Infrastructure Projects to Improve Rail Service and Boost Economic Development
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $634.8 million project to replace the aging Livingston Avenue Rail Bridge, enhancing rail service and reliability along New York’s Empire Corridor and the broader Northeast region. Additionally, a $10 million investment will fund the demolition of Albany’s blighted Central Warehouse, paving the way for downtown redevelopment and improved rail safety.
According to Governor’s Press Office, “The Empire Corridor is a gateway to the U.S. economy, powering innovation and industry for businesses in New York State and beyond,”. “We’re making investments in two critical pieces of infrastructure to unlock the potential for further growth and to ensure this vital corridor will be strong for decades to come.”
A new seven-span, lift-type bridge meeting modern standards for height, width and speeds will be constructed just south of the existing bridge. It will also be wider and designed to carry heavier freight train loads, as well as two passenger trains at the same time. The structure will also be able to handle taller rail cars, allowing for more freight, and will more reliably accommodate marine traffic on the Hudson River.
The project will also create a separated shared-use path that will provide a much-needed crossing over the Hudson River for pedestrians and cyclists, providing easy connections to the Albany Skyway, the Empire State Trail, the future Rensselaer Riverwalk – a portion of which is being constructed as part of this project – and other area attractions. Replacement of the bridge is being funded as part of the historic, $33 billion, five-year New York State Department of Transportation Capital Plan and is a signature project exemplifying Governor Hochul’s commitment to investing in projects that reconnect communities, enhance quality of life and foster growth and economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.