Update from Richard Filkins, Project Manager

Please see the attached information for the Public Meeting on November 16. Region 1 November 1, 2016 Dear Property Owner: The New York State Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the project involving the Crescent Avenue bridge over the Northway in Saratoga Springs and the East High Street bridge over the Northway in Malta. The objective of the proposed project is to address the condition of the bridges. The preliminary plan is to replace these bridges which are reaching the end of their planned life cycle. Both bridges will be closed during construction. The project is currently scheduled to begin in late 2017 with most work affecting the traveling public expected in 2018. Additional information is available on the Department’s project Web site: https://www.dot.ny.gov/SaratogaCountyNorthwayBridges The public information meeting will be held on November 16 at the Saratoga City Music Hall on the 3rd floor of the City of Saratoga Springs City Hall, 474 Broadway. Crescent Avenue and East High Street over the Northway Public Information Meeting Saratoga City Music Hall on the 3rd floor City of Saratoga Springs City Hall 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Wednesday, November 16, 2016, 6:30-8:00 PM A short presentation on the project will be given at 7:00 PM followed by a time for public comments and questions. Staff from NYSDOT will be available to discuss the project in an informal environment before and after the presentation. Comments and input regarding the project are welcome as part of NYSDOT’s continual effort to encourage public participation in the development of transportation projects. The Music Hall is accessible to people with disabilities. The Department of Transportation will provide interpretive aids or services if requested prior to the meeting. Anyone who has concerns or observations about this project but who is unable to attend the open house may either contact me at (518) 457-9756 or write to me at the address listed above. Sincerely, RICHARD FILKINS Project Manager Saratoga County Northway Bridges (PIN 1722.44) Frequently Asked Questions Q1. Why is this project needed now? A1. The bridges carrying Crescent Avenue over the Northway in Saratoga Springs and East High Street over the Northway in of Malta were built in 1962 and are reaching the end of their planned service life. The costs involved in maintaining these bridges in safe condition are reaching the point that replacement now is more cost effective than waiting. Q2. How would this project affect traffic on the bridges during construction? A2. Crescent Avenue and East High Street would be closed at the bridges during construction (probably in 2018) and the traffic temporarily rerouted to other nearby local roads. NYSDOT has worked with emergency services staff to look for ways to minimize disruptions of their service. Closures will not be allowed during the winter season. Q3. Is NYSDOT considering removing, rather than replacing the Nelson Avenue Extension bridges over the Northway? A3. Not any longer. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll announced on September 7, 2016 that the Department will no longer consider removing the Nelson Avenue Extension bridges over Interstate 87, the Adirondack Northway, in Saratoga County. Plans for replacing two other bridges included in the project – Crescent Avenue bridge over the Northway in Saratoga Springs and the East High Street bridge over the Northway in the Town of Malta – will move forward. The Department will continue to inspect the Nelson Avenue Extension bridges annually and perform maintenance as needed. Q4. When will NYSDOT move forward with a project to replace the Nelson Avenue Extension bridges over the Northway? A4. The Department is committed to continuing to maintain the Nelson Avenue Extension bridge, as safety is our top priority. Any future project to replace the Nelson Avenue Extension bridge would be considered among other transportation priorities throughout the Capital Region. NYSDOT continues to work with its partners at the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) in sharing ideas and making decisions about major federally funded transportation capital investments. Q5. Has the Department taken into consideration future bicycle and pedestrian traffic? A5. The Department has coordinated with both The City of Saratoga Springs and the Town of Malta regarding bicycle and pedestrian traffic. The City of Saratoga Springs has a proposed 24-mile long shared-use path called the “Greenbelt Trail” that forms a continuous loop around the city. A yet-to-be-constructed section of this trail is along Crescent Avenue through the project limits and including the Crescent Avenue bridge over the Northway. Consistent with the Council-adopted Greenbelt Plan, the City has requested the inclusion of complete street accommodations as part of this project. As such, the replacement bridge will contain expanded 5-foot wide shoulders for improved bicycle-pedestrian access across the bridge. The Department will provide these wider shoulders on the new Crescent Avenue bridge to improve pedestrian and bicycle access at no cost to the City. The Town of Malta’s Linkage Plan includes on and off road bicycle and pedestrian trails, especially along major north south and east/west corridors such as East High Street. Portions of these trails have been constructed, easements have been obtained for some portions, and developers have been required to build other segments. The trail along East High Street is completed from the Malta / Ballston Spa town limits east to Nostalgia Lane. The plan calls for continuation of the trail eastward over the Northway to U.S. Route 9. Consistent with the proposed replacement of the Crescent Avenue bridge, the Department will widen the shoulders within the project limits, including on the new East High Street bridge, to 5 feet to improve pedestrian and bicycle access at no cost to the Town. Q6. Have emergency services been taken into consideration? A6. Yes. Meetings were held in Fall 2016 with emergency service providers in Saratoga Springs and Malta. We intend to work / continue working with these emergency service providers. We recognize there could be temporary increase in response times to some portions of their service areas during construction. NYSDOT and emergency service providers would work together to minimize the effect as much as possible. Q7. Are the bridges safe? A7. All NYSDOT bridges in the State, including Crescent Avenue, East High Street and Nelson Avenue Extension over the Northway are routinely inspected and have been determined to be safe. Any bridge in the State that was determined to be not safe would be closed immediately. Additional information is available on the Department’s project Web site here: https://www.dot.ny.gov/SaratogaCountyNorthwayBridges Or, you may contact the Project Manager: Richard Filkins NYSDOT, Region 1 Design Group 50 Wolf Road, POD 2-3 Albany, NY 12232 Ph.: (518) 457-9756 Email: richard.filkins@dot.ny.gov