The replacement rail crossing in Albany and Rensselaer be located south of the existing bridge on a parallel alignment and will carry two rail tracks as well as a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. The plan is to replace the current movable swing bridge with a lift bridge that would bring the crossing up to modern standards for height, width and speeds for passenger and freight trains. It will also improve reliability for marine traffic using the Hudson River.
Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2023.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Federal Railroad Administration has issued a ‘finding of no significant impact’. This signals the end of the formal environmental review process and clears the way for New York Department of Transportation to advance the final design for the new crossing.
“The antiquated Livingston Avenue Bridge has caused hardship for rail travellers in New York and throughout the northeast for far too long,” said Hochul. “Replacing this relic of the 19th century is a signature part of our commitment to modernising New York's infrastructure and I commend the Federal Railroad Administration for completing review of this project swiftly, which will not only benefit people who ride the rails but also bicyclists and pedestrians.”
