Governor Hochul and State Department of Transportation Announce Public Open House for Future of I-787 Corridor

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Department of Transportation will host a public open house to educate the public on next steps in reimagining the I-787 corridor in the Capital Region, now that the Planning and Environmental Linkages Study has concluded. The public is invited to attend the open house on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center. Public input is crucial in shaping the future of the I-787 corridor, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend and provide their feedback

Governor Hochul secured up to $40 million in the FY26 Enacted Budget for the State Department of Transportation to begin an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the project, which will lay the groundwork for a future project along the corridor. This investment is a key part of a $400 million, collaborative effort spearheaded by the Governor to revitalize downtown Albany's core. The environmental review will examine ways to enhance waterfront access along the Hudson River for all users of the road, connect neighborhoods and key destinations in communities along the corridor, and address the infrastructure of I-787, the South Mall Expressway, the Dunn Memorial Bridge, and additional infrastructure along the study area.

"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."

The open house will feature interactive stations where the Reimagine I-787 study team will be available to discuss the federal and state environmental processes, the planned schedule, factors to evaluate and consider, and the criteria for narrowing concepts into more detailed alternatives. The team will also discuss the process to eventually narrow the scope of the alternatives to a single preferred alternative that would eventually move forward into construction. Representatives from the New York State Department of Labor will also be on hand with information about their partnership with NYSDOT to help educate and recruit members of the community to enter the workforce in trades involved in eventual projects.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "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."

Constructed in the 1960s, I-787 runs parallel to the Hudson River, and serves the cities of Albany and Watervliet, as well as the towns of Colonie and Menands, and the village of Green Island. The state is exploring options for the reconstruction of the I-787 corridor to enhance the quality of life for local residents while building upon the 2018 Capital Region Transportation Council's I-787 Hudson Waterfront Corridor Study to identify opportunities to reconnect communities to the river and to each other.

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 the reimaging of the I-787 corridor. This future project will be transformational for the community and create new career opportunities for New Yorkers. The Department of Labor stands ready to connect New Yorkers statewide to training opportunities in the many in-demand roles that will be needed to support a project of this magnitude."

For more information on the Reimagine I-787 project, visit the project's website.

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "Reimagining 787 is about re-connecting downtown Albany to the Capital Region's greatest natural asset, the Hudson River, and creating a waterfront that corrects the car-centric transportation planning mistakes of the past. Most importantly, our community and neighbors' input will drive this continuing process, and I encourage everyone to come out and have their voices heard as our Capital City enters this new and exciting chapter. I want to thank Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the State Legislature for recognizing the value of investing in Albany's and our Capital Region's future success."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III said, "Feedback from our community members regarding the future of I-787 is essential. I want to thank the New York State Department of Transportation for hosting this open house to share valuable information. I look forward to the continued dialogue and to hearing directly from residents about their needs and vision for the future of I-787."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "The removal of the I-787 corridor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reconnect Albany's neighborhoods, restore access to our waterfront, and invest in a healthier, more livable city. I'm grateful to this administration for moving this vital work forward with transparency and public input at the forefront. This open house is an essential step in ensuring that the voices of our community, especially those most impacted by past planning decisions, are centered in shaping a decision that reflects our shared values of equity, sustainability, and connection. I encourage everyone to attend, learn more, and speak up about the future they want to see for Albany."

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "I am thrilled to see progress continue on the 'Reimagine 787' study including this latest public house for our residents to provide their input on the future of this vital corridor. This project is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape Albany's shoreline, build climate change resiliency, and create new and vibrant residential, business, and public spaces. I cannot thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez enough for their bold vision, leadership, and belief in what our future can be. I strongly encourage everyone to participate and share your thoughts about what you want to see along the Hudson Riverfront as we continue to transform our Capital City."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "It's important that the community not only be able to see the options for a future that reconnects downtown Albany to the riverfront but to share their thoughts. Revitalization will have an impact on our economy as well repair decades of division caused by Interstate 787. Again, I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of this initiative and for her continued investment in Albany County."

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