Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge is a Main Connector between Rensselaer and Albany Counties and Serves More Than 6.2 Million Vehicles per Year
Project Completed On Time and Under Budget
Second Project to Replace Eastbound Deck Expected to Begin in 2024 Utilizing $21 Million Federal Grant Awarded as Part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the on time and under budget completion of a major $47.6 million infrastructure improvement project on the iconic one-mile-long Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge over the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer counties. The three-year project included the complete deck replacement of the westbound travel lanes, and deck repairs and the application of an asphalt overlay to eastbound travel lanes, as well as bridge steel repairs, replacement of the center median and other safety enhancements.
“New York continues to make historic investments to rebuild and strengthen our transportation infrastructure across our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Thousands of New Yorkers and companies rely on the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge every day. With this rehabilitation project now complete, this vital gateway can better serve and connect communities in the region for years to come.”
The Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge, more commonly referred to as the Castleton Bridge, opened to traffic in 1958 and spans approximately one mile in length connecting the Berkshire Spur section to the Thruway's mainline. Approximately 6.2 million per year, or 17,000 vehicles per day, travel over the iconic blue steel bridge that connects Albany and Rensselaer counties over the Hudson River.
As announced in April 2023, the Thruway Authority was awarded a $21 million federal grant as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration Bridge Investment Program to further support the restoration of the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge. The grant will supplement the cost of a second project to replace the eastbound bridge deck and address steel repairs and maintenance safety features. The $21 million grant will be directly applied to offset the cost to replace the eastbound bridge deck, which is anticipated to cost approximately $30 million. It's anticipated to begin in spring 2024.
With the completion of these two projects, the anticipated service life of the superstructure will be extended by 50 years.
Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank Hoare said, “The Thruway Authority is reinvesting toll dollars into transformative projects that are rebuilding and modernizing a transportation system that is nearly 70 years old. Projects like the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge rehabilitation improve travel for millions of people each year and enhance connectivity and regional economies. We look forward to beginning the second phase of construction next year by replacing the eastbound bridge deck lanes using the $21 million grant awarded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration and we are continuing to pursue the opportunity to apply for and receive additional federal funding.”
Senator Chuck Schumer said, “The commute between Albany and Rensselaer Counties for Capital Region residents just got a lot smoother. The Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge is a vital connector in the Capital District, but for years its deteriorating infrastructure has put travelers at risk and hindered economic development. I am proud to have delivered the tens of millions in federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to help finally bridge the gap to complete the rehabilitation of the Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge. These essential repairs will help extend the service life of this critical connector by over 50 years – creating good-paying jobs, boosting the local economy, and giving travelers a safer, more secure commute every day in the Capital Region.”
Representative Paul Tonko said, “The Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that connects our communities, and I’m thrilled to see progress being made on securing its future. In April, I was proud to welcome Secretary Buttigieg to the Capital Region to announce the funding that made this project possible. Now, thanks to investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this bridge will remain safe and reliable for years to come, supporting the movement of goods and people in our Capital Region and beyond. This is a big win for our region, our communities, and their residents, and I look forward to continuing our work to deliver investments that maintain our region’s status as a thriving hub of economic activity.”
State Senator Neil Breslin said, "The Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge is a critical link between Albany and Rensselaer Counties and vital to help meet both the transportation and economic needs of the Capital District. I applaud Governor Hochul, along with the NYS Thruway Authority, for their ongoing commitment to make sure all our transportation infrastructure needs are met."
State Senator Jacob Ashby said, “Millions of motorists will be pleased to know that these critical repairs have been completed. The Castleton Bridge is essential infrastructure. This was an important investment in our regional economy and in safe transit, and I'm thrilled to support it.”
Assemblymember Chris Tague said, “After three years, the $47.6 million improvements to the Castleton Bridge are finally complete. Since 1958, the bridge has acted as a major connector between Rensselaer and Albany Counties, serving about 6.2 million vehicles per year. These updates were long overdue. We are so grateful that we have literally bridged the gap between communities and improved our infrastructure, creating a safer and more accessible New York.”
Assemblymember Scott Bendett said, “The New York State Thruway Authority’s completion of this $47.6 million bridge deck replacement and rehabilitation project for the Castleton-on-Hudson Bridge is a big win for both Rensselaer and Albany Counties. So many people in our upstate communities rely on this bridge on a daily basis, and with the completion of these rehabilitation efforts three years in the making, the bridge will continue to stand for many years to come.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Excited to see the renovation of this key piece of infrastructure complete. Thousands of residents from Coeymans and throughout Albany County rely on it each day to cross the Hudson, and they deserve to know that their bridges are safe and in quality condition. This is an important accomplishment, and I want to thank the State Thruway Authority for seeing it through.”
L&T Construction of Richmondville, New York (Schoharie County), was the project contractor for the first phase of this project. The Authority’s approved 2023 Budget invests a total of $413 million to support its Capital Program which is scheduled to invest $1.9 billion into capital projects through 2027. In 2022, motorists took more than 376 million trips and drove 7.7 billion miles on the Thruway system.