Livingston Ave Bridge Replacement

Azar Design Co is collaborating with HNTB to design the new Livingston Avenue Bridge, a critical part of the Empire Corridor rail network as the only upstate passenger rail crossing of the Hudson River. The $634.8M NYSDOT project replaces the existing two-track bridge rebuilt in 1901 on it’s original piles from 1865. The new seven-span lift-type structure will meet modern standards for height, width and speed, allowing for increased freight loads and the ability for two passenger trains to cross simultaneously.

Scope of the design-build project includes replacement of the bridge with the addition of a movable two-track vertical lift railroad bridge. Azar’s architects designed the mechanical house for construction in place on top of the lift span to protect bridge maneuvering mechanicals. Additionally, a pre-assembled operator house was designed to be lifted into place on top of a bridge tower. Azar’s survey crew performed extensive survey control work including topography, terrestrial laser scanning, bridge structural surveys and rail alignment surveys.

The project also features new railroad signals; implementation of electrical infrastructure; bridge and navigation lighting, and realignment and improvements to the WYE tracks east of the bridge in Rensselaer. Additional design details include a pedestrian and cyclist shared-use path, providing seamless connections to the Albany Skyway, the Empire State Trail, and the future Rensselaer Riverwalk.