New York Construction Report staff writer
A $5.7 million project will enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Union Avenue in the City of Saratoga Springs. The ‘complete streets’ project will add a new sidewalk and bike lanes and resurface Union Avenue.
Complete Streets projects consider the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, motorists, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Complete Street designs contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation system.
In December, Gov. Hochul signed legislation to provide additional support for municipal “Complete Streets” projects across the state.
Union Avenue, State Route 9P, connects to the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87) at Exit 14, forming one of the entryways to Saratoga Springs and the historic horse racing track that draws more than 1 million visitors annually.
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will install a new sidewalk compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act on the north side of Union Avenue to connect Polk Avenue and the New York Racing Association Gate 16 with East Avenue. Five-foot-wide bike lanes will be painted in both directions between East Avenue and Henning Road.
An approximately three-mile stretch of Union Avenue between East Avenue and the bridge over Saratoga Lake will be surfaced and new drainage structures will be added between East Avenue and Henning Road to improve storm water runoff. Westbound Union Avenue will be reduced to one lane during construction; however, no work will be allowed to take place during the summer racing season. The remainder of the work will resume after Labor Day. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.
“I am very excited Governor Hochul is making this investment of multi-use trails in our community,” said City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim. “My administration has been promoting and building connected networks of bike and pedestrian paths throughout the city to reduce greenhouse emissions, cut down car traffic, and ultimately make Saratoga more accessible to all its residents and protect the environment for future generations.
“This project is a crucial part of that effort and a critical element in the implementation of our complete streets plan.”
