In January, 2017, Governor Cuomo announced creation of the Empire State Trail, a 750-mile bicycle and walking trail that will span New York State, from Buffalo to Albany, and from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada. Some portions of the trail already exist; over the next three years an additional 350 miles will be constructed or improved, with the entire route completed by the end of 2020. Will the Livingston Avenue Bridge be a part of this system?
The Draft Plan provides an overview of the Empire State Trail, including maps identifying the proposed route for the entire 750-mile trail. As depicted on the maps, the general location of the Trail route has been determined. Over the next several months, New York State will work with elected and local officials, transportation experts, and bicycling and trails organizations to finalize the exact trail route, with a particular focus on on-road sections where there are multiple options for passing through cities, villages, and rural roads. The Final Plan will be issued in the fall of 2017.
The Plan does designate the Empire State Trial system crossing the Hudson River in Albany, connecting the Corning Preserve Trail with the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail (AHET Trail). While the 25-page document has very general proposed trail alignments, the fact remains that Albany is a MAJOR hub at the center of the 750-mile network. That means any crossing of the Hudson at Albany MUST be safe, attractive, accessible, and bikable. It’s imperative that the Livingston Avenue Bridge be identified as THE connection for the Albany and Rensselaer segments of the Empire State Trail. We will be working on an official comment letter – but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to tout the Livingston Ave. Bridge Walkway on your own!
Organizations and individuals may comment via email to hrvg@hudsongreenway.ny.gov or by writing to:
Empire State Trail Program
c/o Hudson River Valley Greenway Office
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12207-2995
(518) 473-3835
Thank you for your support!