Congratulations to the City of Albany, NY for securing $2 million in NYSDEC Climate Smart Communities Grant funding for the Washington Park Complete Streets Implementation Project.  Laberge Group is proud to have partnered with the City to secure this Climate Smart Communities funding.

The vibrant historic Washington Park Area within the City of Albany, NY is located near the State Capitol and is central to a busy downtown living, working, and recreation district. The Park roadways are used as connectors to major roadways including Washington, Central, Madison and New Scotland Ave.’s, Lark & State St.’s, and are also transportation routes to major hospitals and colleges in the area. The Park also hosts special events that can exacerbate park traffic congestion.

A primary study objective to evaluate minimizing the negative traffic effects while honoring the historic nature of the Park indicated that incorporating “complete streets”, enhancements will slow and/or reduce Park traffic and support the City’s efforts to balance competing needs of all park users without diverting traffic volumes to adjacent neighborhoods. Considerations included mobility and access for park users of all abilities including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, emergency access, parking impacts, and for special events.

Plans set-forth recommendations to create a comprehensive active transportation network that will enhance public space for walking and biking; improving the thoroughfares throughout Washington Park to include more bicycle and pedestrian pathways with new buffered and separated bike lanes, new signage, new uses of technology that will help with traffic congestion, strategic renovations at certain intersections, and improved signalized intersections with pedestrian signals.

Modifications will include modifying major roadway entrances to reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, enhance pedestrian crossings, redesign the service entrance, increase walking and bike paths, and playground improvements.

New bicycle/pedestrian pathways will give nearby residents more of a choice of alternative transportation and would lessen their travel time through the park, improve their health through exercise, save them transportation costs, and provide a safer route. Improvements will also help promote climate equality, fostering a vibrant green community, and promoting equitable, healthy, and affordable land use and transportation practices.