The New York State Department of Transportation plans to rebuild an aging railroad bridge over the Hudson River that regularly causes delays in freight and passenger service in the Albany area. The state selected Skanska as the design-build contractor for the $634.8 million Livingston Avenue Bridge project.
The existing bridge was built in 1901 between Albany and Rensselaer, New York, using piles from an earlier bridge that opened in 1865. It is owned by CSX and leased to Amtrak for its Empire Corridor between New York City and Niagara Falls, New York. it has two tracks, does not meet current standards, so only one train can use it at a time, and its speed is limited to 15 mph, creating delays for the 12 Amtrak and up to six freight trains that cross it daily.
“It’s stating the obvious that this bridge is nearing the end of its useful life,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a speech announcing the replacement project’s progress. “It has been frustrating travelers with delays and reliability issues.”
The plan is to replace the existing bridge with a new seven-span, two-track vertical lift bridge immediately to the south. The new bridge would meet modern standards, allowing faster speeds and allowing both tracks to be used simultaneously.
Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of civil operations for Skanska’s East Coast, said in a statement that the project would increase the operational efficiency of this section of the rail line and create “a more seamless passenger experience.”
“These critical infrastructure improvements are sorely needed in the Northeast and beyond,” he said.
As well as improving passenger service, the new bridge will allow heavier and taller freight loads to be transported across the river. CSX and Canadian Pacific Railway use the bridge.
The bridge would also include a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, and will be designed to improve the safety and efficiency of marine traffic below.
The scope of the project includes the construction of control rooms and machines; installation of railway signals, electrical infrastructure and navigation lighting; star track improvements east of the bridge and rail bridge rehabilitation over Water Street and Center Street, according to Skanska.
The current bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is completed. It is planned that the works will end in the summer of 2028.
