Multi-phase project will transform an underutilized highway ramp into a resource for recreation and neighborhood connectivity
ALBANY, NY – Capitalize Albany Corporation, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the City of Albany, has selected Stantec to complete initial design and engineering for the Albany Skyway, the region’s first elevated park. Once complete, this transformative project will serve as a vital connection between Albany’s downtown, Arbor Hill and Warehouse District neighborhoods and the Hudson River waterfront.
“Stantec is committed to enhancing our cities by repurposing infrastructure to meet today’s needs,” said Gary Sorge, Stantec vice president for Community Development and project principal. “We’re thrilled to support the creation of this iconic project to better serve the community through walkable and cyclable connections, to encourage investment, and to bring vitality and something really cool to the City.”
The multi-phase project will repurpose a half-mile portion of an underutilized elevated interchange ramp along I-787 to create a multi-modal linear park, with a landscaped promenade, bike route, and foot path. The conversion of this link is informed by the Impact Downtown Albany strategic plan and the Corning Waterfront Park Master Plan (completed by Stantec), as well as the City of Albany’s comprehensive plan, which all show demand and economic need for increased connections between downtown and the waterfront.
An interdisciplinary team at Stantec will lead the project’s first phase, which has launched with a public input stage. The scope of work includes a structure assessment and feasibility study, traffic impact study, park concept design, public engagement, and preliminary design, among other related activities.
“This project provides our team the opportunity to involve various disciplines at Stantec to deliver the first conversion of an interstate ramp to an elevated bicycle/pedestrian facility in the region,” said Robert Cartwright, Stantec’s project manager and senior principal in Transportation. “Through our comprehensive approach, we look forward to partnering with Capitalize Albany, the City of Albany and NYSDOT in to development a unique and valuable community resource.”
The Albany Skyway is sponsored by Capitalize Albany Corporation, the city’s economic development organization, which is overseeing preliminary project planning and design. NYSDOT, which owns the property, will complete project design, and manage the initial stage of construction. Project construction is expected to begin by fall 2019.
“The Albany Skyway will serve as a recreational resource and a key component in connecting our Downtown, Warehouse District, Sheridan Hollow, and Arbor Hill neighborhoods to the Hudson River waterfront,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “With a $3.1 million funding commitment from Governor Cuomo and tens of millions of dollars in investment slated at the foot of the Albany Skyway, this project will have a profound impact on the momentum being built in our Capital City.”
“Located in the heart of downtown Albany, we see the Albany Skyway as a catalyst to reinvigorate underused vehicular infrastructure and spur valuable economic growth opportunities,” added Sarah Reginelli, president of Capitalize Albany Corporation. “By transforming this I-787 ramp to provide a new access between downtown and the waterfront, we stand to unlock added vibrancy and improved quality of life.”
Stantec brings a depth of experience in reconfiguring infrastructure into open space designed for community enrichment across the Northeast.
Most recently, the firm’s engineers and landscape architects designed the nationally recognized conversion of Rochester’s Inner Loop expressway into accessible open space with bike lanes, walking paths, and green space. Previously seen as a barrier between Rochester’s downtown and eastside neighborhoods, the Inner Loop now serves as a welcoming complete street that has also created six acres of new property parcels already attracting development opportunities.
About Stantec
Communities are fundamental. Whether around the corner or across the globe, they provide a foundation, a sense of place and of belonging. That’s why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.
We’re designers, engineers, scientists, and project managers, innovating together at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. Balancing these priorities results in projects that advance the quality of life in communities across the globe.
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