May 31, 2023
Projects Support Upcoming Service Options to Help Move the Capital Region
ALBANY, NY (May 31, 2023) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Board of Directors were updated on several construction projects underway at their monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 31. As CDTA expands the services and programs it offers, they are working with partners on several projects to increase access to transit, improve services, and upgrade infrastructure. Many of these improvements are part of the Purple Line project, which will be the third bus rapid transit line, set to start in late 2023. Construction is also underway for the region’s first mobility center.
Crossgates Mall Roundabout
CDTA is leading the effort to construct a new roundabout at Crossgates Mall that will improve access to and from the I-87 Northway for Purple Line BRT buses and all motorists who use this busy interchange. There will also be traffic signal upgrades on Crossgates Mall Road, repaving, restriping, and updated landscaping. These improvements will help with the flow of buses in and around Crossgates Mall and future developments planned for the area.
Right now, construction is ahead of schedule and will be moving into Phase 3 on Wednesday, May 31. Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of July. For the complete construction timeline, click here.
Additional Purple Line Improvements
The UAlbany Gardenway is a one-mile segment through the UAlbany Campus that will include a new bus priority lane and BRT stations, along with new and expanded multi-use paths along Alumni Drive that increases connectivity and improves walkers and cyclists’ safety. The Gardenway will provide exclusive access for BRT buses and speed travel for CDTA customers. Construction is expected to be completed at the end of July.
Construction is also nearing completion on improvements around Brevator Street and Belvidere Avenue. This will improve access into and out of the Harriman State Office Campus. Changes include new bus only lanes on Brevator Street and the Campus Road bridge over Route 85. The bus only lanes will reduce travel time for customers and increase the attractiveness of the Purple Line BRT. New pedestrian ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals will also be installed.
Gateway Mobility Center
Work is underway on the Gateway Mobility Center, which is located adjacent to the Gateway Plaza Park. Bus stops along State Street have been moved to alternative locations. The mobility center will complement the development of the lower State Street area, which has seen new apartments, restaurants, and other commercial development. Access to ten transit routes including CDTA’s Bus Plus Red Line BRT and CDTA’s other mobility services, including DRIVE and CDPHP Cycle!, will make the area more attractive and reachable to the community. The Gateway Hub is the model for future mobility hubs that CDTA is considering throughout the Capital Region. Construction is expected to be done by the end of July.
To learn more about CDTA’s Capital Projects, go to https://projects.cdta.org/