Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will host a public open house on October 21 to discuss future plans for the I-787 corridor in the Capital Region. The event will take place at the Albany Capital Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and community members are encouraged to attend and share their input.
The open house follows the completion of the Planning and Environmental Linkages Study for I-787. The next phase includes an environmental impact statement (EIS), supported by up to $40 million allocated in the FY26 Enacted Budget. This funding is part of a larger $400 million effort led by Governor Hochul to revitalize downtown Albany.
According to Governor Hochul, “There is no one that knows New York better than its very own, and reimagining the 787 corridor requires all hands on deck. 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 NYSDOT representatives will explain federal and state environmental processes, project timelines, evaluation factors, and how alternatives will be narrowed down for potential construction. Representatives from the New York State Department of Labor will also provide information about job opportunities related to upcoming projects.
NYSDOT 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.”
Built in the 1960s, I-787 serves several cities including Albany and Watervliet, along with Colonie, Menands, and Green Island. The state seeks ways to improve local quality of life through reconstruction options while building upon previous studies such as those conducted by regional transportation councils.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon commented: “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.”
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 past…Most importantly our community…input will drive this continuing process…I want to 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 …is essential….thank [NYSDOT] …for hosting this open house….look forward …to hearing directly from residents about their needs….”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said: “The removal …corridor is a once-in-a-generation opportunity …reconnect Albany’s neighborhoods,…restore access…waterfront,…invest in a healthier,…more livable city….grateful…administration for moving this vital work forward with transparency ….open house …ensures voices…community,…are centered….encourage everyone…attend,…learn more,…speak up about future they want…”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan noted: “I am thrilled…progress continue on ‘Reimagine 787’ study including …public house…residents…provide input….project…opportunity…reshape Albany’s shoreline,…build climate change resiliency,…create new…spaces…I cannot thank Governor Hochul…and Commissioner Dominguez enough…for their bold vision,…leadership,…belief in what our future can be….strongly encourage everyone…participate…”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy stated: “It’s important that community not only be able see options …but share thoughts….Revitalization will have an impact on our economy as well repair decades …division caused by Interstate 787.…thank Governor Hochul for recognizing importance …initiative…and continued investment…”
NYSDOT says its mission includes providing safe transportation systems that connect communities while supporting economic well-being across New York State.
