Public gives final feedback on Troy-Menands...

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) held its fourth and final public meeting of the Troy-Menands Bridge planning study. The bridge brings 378 over the Hudson River to connect the Village of Menands and Town of Colonie with the City of Troy, and officials have said it will need to be replaced indefinitely.

“That’s why we’re trying to reach out to the public to get as much feedback as possible so that we don’t make a mistake that we are regretting later down the road,” said Menands Mayor Brian Marsh.

NYSDOT officials said the bridge is fine — for now. But they acknowledge the age and effectiveness as a concern. “The bridge was built in 1932, and it does need to be replaced in the near future, but it is safe to drive on,” said Susan Olsen, NYSDOT Project Manager, who also explained, “We want to reduce the crash frequency along the bridge and the adjacent sections of the roadway and there is a need for a direct bicycle pedestrian facility across the bridge.”

Residents at the meeting said bicycle and pedestrian safety is what they are concerned about the most. 

“As somebody who uses my bicycle to get around, bicycle safety and pedestrian safety is a big concern. There was a man that was killed on this corridor a couple of years ago. And so, being able to get from where I live in Colonie across the river safely into Troy by 378 would be a big win,” said Samuel Johnson.

Others simply stated they just wanted a smoother commute. “I don’t have all the stress of a 787. I work on the Harriman campus, so I do have to jump on the I-90. As long as the chaos with Hudson Valley being addressed is what I’m interested in,” said Marsha McGrath.

Officials came up with nine options for the redevelopment of the bridge. Greg Wichser with the NYSDOT explained the concepts.

“Ranging from do nothing, which is something we have to do, to various river crossings with intersection configurations.” The program manager said they are considering a few of the options as viable plans. “We’re looking to move our concepts three and four. They really handle the traffic volumes the most efficiently to address what the project calls their objectives, revenue, purpose and needs which are all gathered from public input along with the background analysis of environment impacts. And they meet the objectives.”

Click [ HERE ] to see the nine concepts.