Welcome and about us

[Martin Daley]

The Livingston Avenue Rail Road Bridge between the cities of Albany
and Rensselaer is slated to be completely rebuilt in 2017. The
bridge's replacement is essentially undergoing design by the New york
State Department of Transportation. The reconstruction of the bridge's
existing walkway should be a priority for the new design. The
Livingston Avenue Bridge Coalition (LARBC) is working to build broad-
based support that can send a powerful message that will encourage the
construction. Trails groups, educational institutions, nature centers,
local development agencies, land trusts, historical organizations, and
village, town, and county governments are encouraged to join this
Coalition. Coalition membership is free. Join Now!

Background

From the time the Livingston Avenue Bridge was reconstructed in 1902,
until a decade or two ago, a walkway made it possible for a pedestrian
to cross the Hudson with relative ease. The walkway has been closed
for over a decade because of it's deteriorated condition.

The entire bridge has long been in dire need of an overhaul. New York
finally has the funds to plan for the Livingston Ave Bridge to be
rebuilt or replaced. While NYSDOT is designing the replacement bridge,
advocates are coming together to demand that the walkway be included
as part of the reconstruction.

The idea of rehabilitating the walkway is nothing new. It's been in
the Capital Region's Transportation Improvement Plan for nearly a
decade, and the walkway is part of the long range vision (and draft
"longer" vision) from the Capital District Transportation Committee.
It's also part of the city of Albany's Bike Master Plan and the Albany
2030 Plan.

Although CSX and Amtrak will receive billions in federal aid, they
aren't eager to allow the walkway, citing safety and liability
concerns on a bridge that they will own once it is rebuilt.

Why act now?

The city of Rensselaer has ambitious plans to redevelop its
waterfront, including a network of trails that would link to the
Corning Preserve via a rebuilt walkway on the rail bridge. East
Greenbush is also getting excited about trail proposals that could
link to this bridge. With all the talk of redeveloping Rensselaer's
waterfront, creating downtown residential in Albany, and connecting
these cities to the waterfronts, the reconstruction of the Livingston
Avenue Bridge's walkway should be a no-brainer.

It is very likely that there will only be one opportunity to ensure
that the walkway is installed while the funding, political will, and
public sentiment are aligned. If the walkway is not replaced, Albany
and Rensselaer will have world-class trail networks and beautiful,
vibrant waterfronts that beckon visitors and residents alike: yet,
people won't be able to easily and safely cross the river.

Although any sort of ribbon cutting for a new bridge won't take place
for at least five years from now, civic-minded citizens and
organizations (like Parks & Trails New York, The New York Bicycling
Coalition, the Tri State Transportation Campaign, and many more) are
teaming up now to make sure that we capitalize on this reconstruction
project and that the walkway not be left off the drawing board. It's
entirely possible to design a fence and gate system that would prevent
people from climbing off the walkway or falling into the river. There
are several lift and swing bridges in New York which allow pedestrians
to use adjacent walkways. And Portland's Steel Bridge is an example of
a rail bridge that opens to allow river traffic, yet still features a
pedestrian walkway.

Follow the Coalition

We need yor support. Join Now!

You can join the LARBC discussion on our Google Group, promote the
coalition on Twitter, or keep up with us on our Facebook page.