The New York State Dept. of Transportation is planning to rebuild an aging rail bridge over the Hudson River that regularly causes delays of freight and passenger service through the Albany area. The state selected Skanska as its design-build contractor for the $634.8-million Livingston Avenue Bridge project.

The existing bridge was built in 1901 between Albany and Rensselaer, N.Y., 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, N.Y. While the bridge has two tracks, it does not meet current standards so only one train at a time can use it, and their 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 near the end of its life,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a speech announcing advancement of the replacement project. “It’s been frustrating travelers with delays and reliability issues.”

The plan is to replace the existing bridge with a new two-track, seven-span vertical lift bridge immediately to its south. The new bridge would meet modern standards, allowing for faster speeds and for both tracks to be used simultaneously. 

Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of Skanska’s East Coast civil operations, said in a statement that the project would boost operational efficiency of this section of the rail line and create “a more seamless passenger experience.”

“These critical infrastructure improvements are greatly needed across the Northeast and beyond,” he said.

In addition to 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-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and be designed for improved safety and efficiency of marine traffic below. 

The project’s scope includes construction of control and machinery rooms; installation of railroad signals, electric infrastructure and navigation lighting; improvements to the wye tracks east of the bridge and rehabilitation of rail bridges over Water Street and Centre Street, according to Skanska. 

The current bridge will remain in use until the new bridge is finished. Work is scheduled to complete in the summer of 2028.