Building upon the work completed under the Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will utilize up to $40 million provided in the current state budget to advance into an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will lay the groundwork for a future project along the I-787 corridor. The Environmental Impact Statement will examine ways to enhance waterfront access along the Hudson River for all users, connect neighborhoods and key destinations in communities along the corridor, and address the infrastructure of I-787, the South Mall Expressway, the Dunn Memorial Bridge, and additional infrastructure within the study area. Public and stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the entire process and strive towards a community centered transportation network. 

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has undertaken a Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) study to reimagine the Interstate 787 Corridor and its proximity to the Hudson River. The study expanded on the previously completed I-787 Hudson Waterfront Study completed in 2018 by the Capital Region Transportation Council (Transportation Council).

Review the Final PEL Report.

Governor Hochul Press Release on Final PEL Report.

Interstate 787 was constructed in the 1960’s from I-87 in the city of Albany and extends north through the city of Watervliet, town of Colonie, village of Menands and the village of Green Island ending at Route 7. The highway was constructed primarily parallel to the Hudson River waterfront. In 2018, the Transportation Council's I-787 Hudson Waterfront Corridor Study was completed, which outlined various concepts and additional analysis needed to reconnect communities with the Hudson River waterfront. NYSDOT conducted this study to build on the prior recommendations to identify potential future transportation strategies that support and balance economic development and revitalization efforts, including enhanced walking, biking, and public transportation access to the waterfront.