Governor Cuomo Announces $4.6 Million Project to Rehabilitate Six Capital Region Bridges

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that work has begun on a two-year, $4.6 million project to rehabilitate six bridges in Saratoga, Warren and Albany counties. The project will improve driving conditions, enhance safety and extend the service life of these vital connectors that help keep people and commerce flowing throughout the Capital Region. Work being done includes resurfacing of the pavement approaches to the bridges and repairs to bridge decks, joints, concrete and guiderails.

"New York State continues to lead the way in building a 21st Century infrastructure that will promote economic growth and improve quality of life," Governor Cuomo said. "This project is part of our historic commitment to ensure all New Yorkers enjoy the benefits of a modern and reliable transportation network that will keep the economy moving for decades to come."

"Investing in infrastructure is a proven economic development strategy, and here in New York we are dedicating resources to assist municipalities across the state," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This funding to modernize bridges in the Capital Region will strengthen the local transportation network and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians. We are committed to investing in projects in our communities for continued progress and enhanced quality of life."

The first bridge being repaired as part of the project is the Butler Road Bridge over the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87) in the Town of Moreau, Saratoga County, just south of the Hudson River and the new Adirondacks Welcome Center. The bridge carries approximately 1,000 motor vehicles per day in a largely wooded part of the town. Traffic on the Butler Road Bridge will be reduced to one alternating lane controlled by traffic signals during the work, which is expected to conclude by the end of September.

Work will also begin in July on the northbound bridge and southbound bridge on the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87) over Luzerne Road, just north of Exit 18, in the town of Queensbury, Warren County. Lane closures will be required on Luzerne Road (underneath the Northway) throughout the summer with traffic controlled by a flagger. To minimize disruptions, lane closures on the Northway will be limited to off-peak hours and will not take place until after Labor Day. Construction on the two bridges is expected to be completed by the summer of 2020.

Other bridges being rehabilitated include:

The Route 29 Bridge over the Fish Creek, in the hamlet of Grangerville, Town of Saratoga, Saratoga County. Work will begin later this summer during weekday hours and is expected to be completed in the fall.
The Route 9 Bridge over State Route 7 - locally known as "Alternate Route 7" - in Latham, Town of Colonie, Albany County. Work is scheduled to begin in 2020.
The Old Loudon Road bridge over State Route 7 in Latham, Town of Colonie, Albany County. Work is scheduled to begin in 2020.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we are investing in transportation infrastructure projects large and small throughout the Empire State. The important maintenance we are conducting at these six bridges will make it easier for residents and visitors alike to travel about the region and help ensure the area's continued economic growth and quality of life."

Senator Daphne Jordan said, "Strengthening critical infrastructure across our Capital Region is a smart investment in greater safety and security for all motorists, and improved commerce and community connections that can benefit everyone. The announcement of this multi-million dollar project to rehabilitate bridges carrying Butler Road over the Northway, and Route 29 over the Fish Creek is welcome news for residents in Grangerville, Schuylerville, Moreau, and neighboring communities. Enhancing connectivity to help the flow of motorists and commerce is welcome news for Saratoga County that continues to grow and prosper. I thank State DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for her agency's continued support for these and other vital infrastructure rehabilitation projects across the 43rd Senate District."

Senator Betty Little said, "Today's announcement continues New York State's investment into our aging infrastructure. The rehabilitation and repair of local roads and bridges are critical to the North Country's public safety and economy, and I thank the Commissioner and the Department of Transportation staff for the excellent work they continue doing in our region."

Senator Neil Breslin said, "With increased economic activity comes the need for more infrastructure improvements. Ensuring that these vital bridges are maintained will not only improve public safety, but will help continue to drive economic activity throughout the Capital Region."

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner said, "I want to thank the Department of Transportation and Governor Cuomo for directing state funds to these projects. Maintaining our roads and bridges is critical to ensuring the safe travel of residents and visitors alike and I look forward to seeing work begin on these projects."

Assembly Member Daniel G. Stec said, "Investing in our outdated infrastructure must continue to be a priority. I am pleased to see that this bridge is a part of this project as maintaining our infrastructure is one of the most important and necessary initiatives that government should be working on."

Assembly Member Phillip Steck said, "Route 9 is a critical thoroughfare for residents of the 110th Assembly District, helping commuters get where they need to go safely and enabling businesses to efficiently transport goods. By investing in the bridge over alternate Route 7, we can extend the life of our local infrastructure and better promote road safety."

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin J. Tollisen said, "Saratoga County appreciates the continued commitment and partnership we have with NYS DOT to improve the roads and bridges in our County. Updating our infrastructure for the safety of our residents and the long term economic impact of these upgrades will benefit Saratoga County for decades to come."

Warren County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ronald Conover said, "Luzerne Road provides a vital connection within our community and we appreciate the Northway bridge work that will maintain safety for our residents and visitors alike. The access that the Northway provides to Queensbury allows travelers to easily visit and helps support our local businesses."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "This announcement is welcome news, especially for one of the fastest growing communities in Albany County and the Capital Region. As we wait for a comprehensive infrastructure plan at the national level, New York is moving ahead by investing in our roads and bridges that are critical to economic development and quality of life. I commend the Governor for his leadership and vision on this project."

Motorists are urged to slow down and safely move over when approaching roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones. To learn more about the Move Over law and what we're doing to keep workers and motorists safe in highway construction zones, visit www.ny.gov/workzonesafety.

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit http://www.511NY.org, or our mobile site at m.511ny.org.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT. For tweets from New York State DOT Region 1 (covering the Capital Region), follow@NYSDOTAlbany.

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