Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will hold a public open house to discuss the future of the I-787 corridor in the Capital Region. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the next steps following the completion of the Planning and Environmental Linkages Study.
The Governor secured up to $40 million in the FY26 Enacted Budget for NYSDOT to begin an environmental impact statement (EIS) for this project. This funding is part of a larger $400 million initiative aimed at revitalizing downtown Albany’s core. The environmental review will focus on improving waterfront access along the Hudson River, connecting neighborhoods and key destinations, and addressing infrastructure needs related to I-787, the South Mall Expressway, Dunn Memorial Bridge, and other parts of the corridor.
“There is no one that knows New York better than its very own, and reimagining the 787 corridor requires all hands on deck,” Governor Hochul said. “The corridor is the Capital Region’s greatest asset, serving as a vital connection for residents and visitors to explore the Hudson River and nearby communities. Reimagine I-787 is reshaping the Capital Region’s future, and it needs New Yorkers’ voices to succeed.”
At the open house, attendees can visit interactive stations where members of the Reimagine I-787 study team will explain federal and state environmental processes, outline planned schedules, discuss evaluation factors, and describe how alternatives will be narrowed down before construction begins. Representatives from NYSDOT and the Department of Labor will also provide information about workforce opportunities related to upcoming projects.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez stated: “The project to reimagine the I-787 corridor is foundational to Governor Hochul’s vision to transform and fundamentally connect the communities in and around downtown Albany and the greater Capital Region and the Department of Transportation is hitting the ground running to make this vision a reality. A transformational project along this corridor has unlimited potential to change the lives of hundreds of thousands of residents for the better, which is why we want to hear from as many people as possible throughout the environmental process. This open house is for the residents of the City of Albany and the surrounding communities, and it’s highly important that all voices are heard.”
I-787 was constructed in the 1960s alongside the Hudson River. It serves several localities including Albany, Watervliet, Colonie, Menands, and Green Island. The state plans to build on previous studies such as those conducted by regional transportation authorities in 2018 that explored ways to reconnect communities with each other and with waterfront areas.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: “I encourage residents in the Capital Region to attend this informative open house to learn more about reimaging of I-787 corridor. This future project will be transformational for community and create new career opportunities for New Yorkers. The Department of Labor stands ready to connect New Yorkers statewide to training opportunities in many in-demand roles that will be needed to support a project of this magnitude.”
State Senator Patricia Fahy commented: “Reimagining 787 is about re-connecting downtown Albany to Capital Region’s greatest natural asset, Hudson River, and creating a waterfront that corrects car-centric transportation planning mistakes of past. Most importantly, our community and neighbors’ input will drive this continuing process… I want thank Governor Hochul…for recognizing value investing in Albany’s…future success.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III added: “Feedback from our community members regarding future of I-787 is essential…I look forward continued dialogue…hearing directly from residents about their needs vision for future.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero remarked: “The removal of I-787 corridor is once-in-a-generation opportunity reconnect Albany’s neighborhoods…restore access our waterfront…invest healthier more livable city…this open house essential step ensuring voices our community especially those most impacted by past planning decisions are centered shaping decision reflects shared values equity sustainability connection.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said: “I am thrilled see progress continue ‘Reimagine 787’ study including latest public house our residents provide input future vital corridor…project once generation opportunity reshape Albany’s shoreline build climate change resiliency create new vibrant residential business public spaces…I strongly encourage everyone participate share thoughts what want see along Hudson Riverfront as we continue transform our Capital City.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy stated: “It’s important community not only able see options future reconnects downtown Albany riverfront but share thoughts…Revitalization have impact economy repair decades division caused by Interstate 787…Again thank Governor Hochul recognizing importance initiative continued investment Albany County.”
For further details about Reimagine I-787 or updates on NYSDOT activities, additional resources are available online.
