All Over Albany

Queue up the guy who always posts about crying when he thinks about 787 cutting off all the streets and parking lots from 787. Let's hear about how awesome Albany would be if not for having a nice, secluded riverfront park.

... said Waa! on Aug 25, 2014 at 10:48 PM | link

While there have been some loose studies in the past, I think this is a worthwhile effort and prudent on behalf of the tax payer (see the numbers below to justify that statement). In my opinion, based on similar conversations around the country and what ultimately was implemented, I think the most sensible solution would be creating a three mile boulevard through Albany, starting from the I-87 Exit 23 to the Patroon Island Bridge, which would transition back to the present day 787 once you passed the bridge. I think the idea of a boulevard shouldn’t be as scary as it sounds, for there are a few cities who were able to actually enhance traffic flow by utilizing a boulevard over the current bridge and ramp solution, which tends to waste space and create bottlenecks; once the ramps were remove, new arterials were designed to allow for quicker transfer from side streets to the boulevard (a plus for suburban commuters) and still allow for additional space for new building growth and pedestrian access (a plus for city boosters).

Here are a few facts that should help frame the discussion, per the current 5 year statewide transportation improvement plan (STIP) for the Capital Region (FY2011-FY2015), which highlights the anticipated investments logged for parts of I-787, which sees daily use of about 80,000 vehicles. Thus far, we’ve spent close to $60 million on repairs the past few years (I’m sure those who commute by 787 can attest to the aggravation this basic maintenance has caused), with approximately another $100 million in the pike. The bridge and ramps of the current 787 model are the most costly to repair and replace, making a simple boulevard much more cost effective to manage, making me think that before we sink too much into repair, we seriously discuss all our options and what we want out of our downtown Albany in the next 30 to 40 years.

Bridge Repair (Grand Total = $40.1 ml or 69% of infrastructure projects to 787): Clinton Viaduct = $25.2 ml; Dunn Memorial Bridge = $11.6 ml; Exit 6 Ramps = $3.3 ml

Pavement Repair (Grand Total = $18.2 ml or 31% of infrastructure projects to 787): Broadway to 378 (Menands) = $320k; I-87 to I-787 Overlap = $516k; I-87 Exit 23 to SME Complex = $17.4ml

Here is the link, to keep me honest: https://www.dot.ny.gov/programs/stip/files/R1.pdf

... said Rich on Aug 27, 2014 at 2:23 PM | link

Wow got really lost in the above diatribe. Then I realized this must be a state worker adding up all the numbers. Correct me if I am wrong but what I took away from this was that we are too poor to continue to maintain a ridiculous highway system from the 1960-1970 era so therefore we must go back to the way it was prior to the 1950's! I have no problem with that. I think it's so funny how we are becoming a country of Mao like bicyclists and China is becoming a country of fat cats in Buicks!

... said BS on Aug 27, 2014 at 2:38 PM | link

A nice collection of case studies for why 787 can be reconfigured and benefit both suburban commuters and city residents...

http://gizmodo.com/6-freeway-demolitions-that-changed-their-cities-forever-1548314937/+alissawalker

... said Bill on Aug 28, 2014 at 10:36 AM | link

[Critical back and forth is great. But, please, let's refrain from random jabs at people based on where they might work.]

... said Greg on Aug 28, 2014 at 11:12 AM | link

@BS, just passionate about my city, transportation issues, and think all options should be on the table (and all $’s counted) regardless of my occupation (though, as an Albany resident, I can discount that I may have certain biases on this subject). I don’t necessarily think we’re too poor to maintain or enhance the infrastructure we have, but like a new house, the glean comes off over time and big repair/maintenance bills come due. It’s only wise for homeowners and taxpayers alike to access their situation as they make future investments in their property. I can’t lie, I do support enhanced biking and public transit options, but I don’t count (hypothetically) a $1 million 10 mile protected bike lane that may see a handful of bikers a prudent investment, just like I think given the low volume (yes, 787 commuters may disagree) of use of 787 should be weighed against the significant upkeep and $$’s needed to maintain it. While my heart and many case studies say a boulevard (vs. raised ramps and highway strips) would be the most prudent option, meeting the interest of city boosters and suburban commuters alike, the numbers may prove me wrong. I’m ready for this study, either way, to prove me right or wrong, and proceed from there.

... said Rich on Aug 28, 2014 at 12:08 PM | link