Transportation

Project Report

Environmental 

Assessment

Livingston Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

Project Identification Number (PIN): 1935.49

Bridge Identification Number (BIN): 7092890

City of Albany, Albany County and City of Rensselaer, Rensselaer County

U.S. Department of Transportation 

Federal Railroad Administration

Project 

Location 

TOC-1 February 2022

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................. S-1

S.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... S-1

S.2 Purpose and Need........................................................................................................ S-1

S.3 Project Alternatives....................................................................................................... S-3

S.3.1 No Action Alternative............................................................................................ S-3

S.3.2 Build Alternative 1 – Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment................... S-4

S.3.3 Build Alternative 2 – Replacement on an Adjacent South Alignment .................. S-5

S.4 Construction Methods .................................................................................................. S-5

S.5 Identification of Preferred Alternative ........................................................................... S-7

S.6 Environmental Considerations ..................................................................................... S-7

S.7 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act................................................ S-15

S.8 Environmental Justice ................................................................................................ S-15

S.9 Section 4(f) of the United States Department of Transportation Act.......................... S-15

S.10 Public Review of this EA ............................................................................................ S-16

S.11 Contact Information .................................................................................................... S-17

Chapter 1: Project Purpose and Need .................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Environmental Classification ........................................................................................ 1-1

1.2.1 NEPA Classification ............................................................................................. 1-1

1.2.2 SEQRA Classification........................................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Project Location and Setting ........................................................................................ 1-2

1.4 Project Purpose............................................................................................................ 1-3

1.5 Project Need................................................................................................................. 1-3

1.5.1 Need to Address Structural Deficiencies and Substandard Conditions............... 1-4

1.5.2 Need to Improve Capacity.................................................................................... 1-5

1.5.3 Navigational Need................................................................................................ 1-7

1.6 Project Goals and Objectives ....................................................................................... 1-7

1.7 Project Schedule and Contact Information................................................................... 1-7

Chapter 2: Project Alternatives ............................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Alternatives Evaluation and Identification of Reasonable Alternatives ........................ 2-1

2.3 Alternatives Eliminated from Further Consideration..................................................... 2-3

2.3.1 Permanent Detour: Use of Alternate Routes ....................................................... 2-3

2.3.2 Rehabilitation Alternatives.................................................................................... 2-3
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2.3.2.1 Bridge Repairs..............................................................................................2-3

2.3.2.2 Rehabilitation of Existing Bridge (Substructure and Superstructure) to 

Accommodate Mixed Rail Traffic..................................................................2-4

2.3.2.3 Rehabilitation of Existing Bridge for Passenger Trains Only........................2-5

2.3.2.4 Rehabilitation of Existing Bridge – Superstructure Replacement.................2-6

2.3.3 Alignment Alternatives ..........................................................................................2-7

2.3.3.1 Replacement Bridge on Existing Alignment .................................................2-7

2.3.3.2 Replacement Bridge on New Alignment.......................................................2-7

2.3.4 Alternative Replacement Bridge Types ................................................................2-8

2.3.4.1 Fixed Bridge..................................................................................................2-8

2.3.4.2 Movable Bridge Types..................................................................................2-9

2.4 Alternatives Retained for Further Analysis ................................................................. 2-10

2.4.1 No Action Alternative ..........................................................................................2-10

2.4.2 Build Alternatives: Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment (Build 

Alternative 1) or Adjacent South Alignment (Build Alternative 2).......................2-11

2.4.2.1 Alignment....................................................................................................2-11

2.4.2.2 Superstructure ............................................................................................2-11

2.4.2.3 Substructure ...............................................................................................2-13

2.4.2.4 Lift Span......................................................................................................2-14

2.4.2.5 Geometry ....................................................................................................2-14

2.4.2.6 Approaches................................................................................................. 2-14

2.4.2.7 Speeds........................................................................................................2-16

2.4.2.8 Signal System Improvements.....................................................................2-16

2.4.2.9 Shared Use Path ........................................................................................2-17

2.4.2.10 Construction Considerations ......................................................................2-19

2.4.2.11 Cost ............................................................................................................2-19

2.5 Identification of Preferred Alternative..........................................................................2-20

2.6 Potential Permits Required .........................................................................................2-21

Chapter 3: Transportation Impacts..........................................................................................3-1

3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Methodology and Study Area .......................................................................................3-1

3.3 Affected Environment....................................................................................................3-1

3.3.1 Rail........................................................................................................................3-1

3.3.2 Navigable Waters ................................................................................................. 3-2

3.3.3 Vehicular Traffic and Parking................................................................................3-3

3.3.4 Public Transportation............................................................................................3-4

3.3.5 Pedestrians and Bicyclists ....................................................................................3-4

3.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.............................................................................3-5

3.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ..................................................................................3-5

3.5.1 Rail........................................................................................................................3-5

3.5.2 Navigable Waters ................................................................................................. 3-5

3.5.3 Vehicular Traffic and Parking................................................................................3-6

3.5.4 Public Transportation............................................................................................3-6

3.5.5 Pedestrians and Bicyclists ....................................................................................3-6
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3.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ...................................................................... 3-6

Chapter 4: Social, Economic, and Environmental Considerations ..................................... 4-1

4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2 Land Use and Community Character........................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Affected Environment........................................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3.1 City of Albany ............................................................................................... 4-3

4.2.3.2 City of Rensselaer........................................................................................ 4-5

4.2.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................... 4-6

4.2.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives.......................................................................... 4-7

4.2.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation.............................................................. 4-8

4.3 Social Conditions.......................................................................................................... 4-8

4.3.1 Introduction........................................................................................................... 4-8

4.3.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................... 4-8

4.3.3 Affected Environment........................................................................................... 4-9

4.3.3.1 Population and Demographics..................................................................... 4-9

4.3.3.2 Elderly and Disabled Populations ................................................................ 4-9

4.3.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-10

4.3.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-10

4.3.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-11

4.4 Economic Conditions.................................................................................................. 4-11

4.4.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-11

4.4.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................. 4-11

4.4.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-11

4.4.3.1 Albany ........................................................................................................ 4-12

4.4.3.2 Rensselaer................................................................................................. 4-12

4.4.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-12

4.4.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-13

4.4.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-13

4.5 Cultural Resources..................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-13

4.5.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................. 4-14

4.5.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-17

4.5.3.1 Historic Architectural Resources................................................................ 4-17

4.5.3.2 Archaeological Resources ......................................................................... 4-19

4.5.4 Effects of the No Action Alternative.................................................................... 4-20

4.5.5 Effects of the Build Alternatives ......................................................................... 4-20

4.5.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-21

4.5.6.1 Alternatives to Avoid or Minimize Adverse Effects .................................... 4-21

4.5.6.2 Mitigation.................................................................................................... 4-22

4.6 Visual Resources and Aesthetic Considerations ....................................................... 4-23

4.6.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-23
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4.6.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-23

4.6.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-23

4.6.3.1 City of Albany..............................................................................................4-24

4.6.3.2 City of Rensselaer ......................................................................................4-24

4.6.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-25

4.6.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-25

4.6.5.1 Project Features .........................................................................................4-25

4.6.5.2 Hudson River View Corridor.......................................................................4-26

4.6.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ............................................................4-27

4.7 Water Resources ........................................................................................................4-27

4.7.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-27

4.7.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-27

4.7.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-28

4.7.3.1 Surface Waters...........................................................................................4-28

4.7.3.2 Water and Sediment Quality.......................................................................4-28

4.7.3.3 Wetlands.....................................................................................................4-30

4.7.3.4 Floodplains ................................................................................................. 4-31

4.7.3.5 Groundwater...............................................................................................4-31

4.7.3.6 Stormwater Management ...........................................................................4-32

4.7.3.7 Coastal Zone ..............................................................................................4-33

4.7.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-33

4.7.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-34

4.7.5.1 Surface Waters...........................................................................................4-34

4.7.5.2 Wetlands.....................................................................................................4-34

4.7.5.3 Floodplains ................................................................................................. 4-34

4.7.5.4 Groundwater...............................................................................................4-35

4.7.5.5 Stormwater Management ...........................................................................4-35

4.7.5.6 Coastal Zone ..............................................................................................4-35

4.7.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ............................................................4-35

4.8 General Ecology and Wildlife Resources ...................................................................4-36

4.8.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-36

4.8.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-36

4.8.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-37

4.8.3.1 Aquatic Resources......................................................................................4-37

4.8.3.2 Terrestrial Resources .................................................................................4-39

4.8.3.3 Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species ..........................4-41

4.8.3.4 Invasive Species.........................................................................................4-47

4.8.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-47

4.8.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-47

4.8.5.1 Aquatic Resources......................................................................................4-47

4.8.5.2 Terrestrial Resources .................................................................................4-48

4.8.5.3 Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species ..........................4-49

4.8.5.4 Significant Habitat Areas ............................................................................4-51

4.8.5.5 Invasive Species.........................................................................................4-51
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4.8.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-52

4.9 Geology ...................................................................................................................... 4-52

4.9.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-52

4.9.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................. 4-52

4.9.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-52

4.9.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-53

4.9.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-53

4.9.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-53

4.10 Air Quality ................................................................................................................... 4-53

4.10.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-53

4.10.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................. 4-54

4.10.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-54

4.10.3.1 NYSDEC Air Monitoring Data .................................................................... 4-54

4.10.3.2 NAAQS Attainment Status and State Implementation Plans..................... 4-55

4.10.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-56

4.10.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-56

4.10.5.1 Localized Pollutants (Microscale Analysis)................................................ 4-56

4.10.5.2 Regional Pollutants .................................................................................... 4-56

4.10.5.3 Project-Level Conformity............................................................................ 4-57

4.10.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-58

4.11 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions ................................................................... 4-58

4.11.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-58

4.11.2 Methodology....................................................................................................... 4-59

4.11.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-59

4.11.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-60

4.11.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-60

4.11.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-60

4.12 Noise and Vibration .................................................................................................... 4-60

4.12.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-60

4.12.2 Methodology and Study Area............................................................................. 4-61

4.12.2.1 Airborne Noise ........................................................................................... 4-61

4.12.2.2 Vibration and Ground-borne Noise ............................................................ 4-62

4.12.3 Affected Environment......................................................................................... 4-62

4.12.3.1 Airborne Noise ........................................................................................... 4-62

4.12.3.2 Vibration and Ground-borne Noise ............................................................ 4-63

4.12.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative.................................................................. 4-64

4.12.4.1 Airborne Noise ........................................................................................... 4-64

4.12.4.2 Vibration and Ground-borne Noise ............................................................ 4-64

4.12.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives........................................................................ 4-65

4.12.5.1 Airborne Noise ........................................................................................... 4-65

4.12.5.2 Vibration and Ground-borne Noise ............................................................ 4-66

4.12.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation............................................................ 4-67

4.13 Utilities and Infrastructure........................................................................................... 4-67
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February 2022 TOC-6 

4.13.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-67

4.13.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-67

4.13.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-67

4.13.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-68

4.13.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-68

4.13.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ............................................................4-68

4.14 Contaminated Materials..............................................................................................4-69

4.14.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-69

4.14.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-69

4.14.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-69

4.14.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-70

4.14.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-70

4.14.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ............................................................4-71

4.15 Safety and Security.....................................................................................................4-71

4.15.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-71

4.15.2 Methodology and Study Area .............................................................................4-71

4.15.3 Affected Environment .........................................................................................4-71

4.15.3.1 Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Vehicular Traffic ..............................................4-71

4.15.3.2 Employees ..................................................................................................4-71

4.15.3.3 Passengers................................................................................................. 4-72

4.15.3.4 Boat Traffic ................................................................................................. 4-72

4.15.4 Impacts of the No Action Alternative ..................................................................4-72

4.15.5 Impacts of the Build Alternatives ........................................................................4-72

4.15.5.1 Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Vehicular Traffic ..............................................4-72

4.15.5.2 Construction Employees.............................................................................4-73

4.15.5.3 Passengers................................................................................................. 4-73

4.15.5.4 Boat Traffic ................................................................................................. 4-73

4.15.6 Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation ............................................................4-73

4.16 Construction Impacts ..................................................................................................4-73

4.16.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................4-73

4.16.2 Construction of Key Elements ............................................................................4-74

4.16.2.1 Construction Staging Areas........................................................................4-74

4.16.2.2 Bridge Piers ................................................................................................4-75

4.16.2.3 Abutments...................................................................................................4-75

4.16.2.4 Superstructure ............................................................................................4-75

4.16.2.5 Channels and Fenders ...............................................................................4-76

4.16.2.6 Wye Track and Other Track Work..............................................................4-76

4.16.2.7 Water and Centre Street Rail Bridges ........................................................4-76

4.16.2.8 Existing Bridge Decommissioning and Removal........................................4-76

4.16.2.9 Material Transport and Debris Removal.....................................................4-77

4.16.2.10 Vessels .......................................................................................................4-77

4.16.3 Construction Schedule and Sequencing ............................................................4-77

4.16.3.1 Construction Schedule ...............................................................................4-77

4.16.3.2 Construction Sequence ..............................................................................4-77
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4.16.4 Transportation .................................................................................................... 4-78

4.16.4.1 Rail Traffic .................................................................................................. 4-78

4.16.4.2 River Traffic/Navigable Waters .................................................................. 4-78

4.16.4.3 Vehicular / Pedestrian / Cyclists ................................................................ 4-78

4.16.4.4 Accidents / Safety ...................................................................................... 4-79

4.16.4.5 Public Transportation ................................................................................. 4-80

4.16.5 Land Use, Community Character, and Social and Economic Conditions.......... 4-80

4.16.6 Cultural Resources............................................................................................. 4-81

4.16.7 Visual Resources and Aesthetic Considerations ............................................... 4-81

4.16.8 Water Resources................................................................................................ 4-82

4.16.9 General Ecology and Wildlife Resources........................................................... 4-83

4.16.9.1 Aquatic Biota .............................................................................................. 4-83

4.16.9.2 Terrestrial Habitats and Wildlife ................................................................. 4-84

4.16.9.3 Threatened and Endangered Species ....................................................... 4-84

4.16.9.4 Significant Habitat Areas............................................................................ 4-87

4.16.9.5 Invasive Species ........................................................................................ 4-88

4.16.10 Air Quality........................................................................................................... 4-88

4.16.11 Noise and Vibration............................................................................................ 4-89

4.16.11.1 Noise .......................................................................................................... 4-89

4.16.11.2 Vibration ..................................................................................................... 4-92

4.16.12 Utilities................................................................................................................ 4-93

4.16.13 Contaminated Materials ..................................................................................... 4-94

4.17 Indirect and Cumulative Impacts................................................................................ 4-95

4.17.1 Introduction......................................................................................................... 4-95

4.17.2 Future Projects—Land Development................................................................. 4-95

4.17.3 Future Projects—Transportation........................................................................ 4-95

4.17.4 Commitment of Resources................................................................................. 4-96

Chapter 5: Environmental Justice........................................................................................... 5-1

5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Delineation of the Study Area....................................................................................... 5-1

5.3 Identification of Environmental Justice Populations..................................................... 5-2

5.4 Environmental Justice Populations in the Study Area ................................................. 5-2

5.5 Identification of Disproportionate Adverse Effects ....................................................... 5-3

5.6 Public Participation....................................................................................................... 5-4

Chapter 6: Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation................................................................................. 6-1

6.1 Introduction................................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Regulatory Context....................................................................................................... 6-1

6.2.1 Section 4(f) Use.................................................................................................... 6-2

6.2.2 De Minimis Impacts.............................................................................................. 6-2

6.2.3 Exceptions to the Requirement for Section 4(f) Approval.................................... 6-2

6.2.4 Nationwide Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluations............................................. 6-3

6.3 Proposed Action ........................................................................................................... 6-3

6.3.1 Need, Purpose, Goals and Objectives................................................................. 6-3
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6.3.2 Project Alternatives...............................................................................................6-4

6.3.2.1 No Action Alternative ....................................................................................6-4

6.3.2.2 Build Alternative 1 – Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment ...........6-5

6.3.2.3 Build Alternative 2 - Replacement on Adjacent South Alignment ................6-6

6.4 Use of Section 4(f) Properties.......................................................................................6-6

6.4.1 Public Parks and Recreation Areas......................................................................6-6

6.4.1.1 Corning Riverfront Park ................................................................................6-7

6.4.1.2 Riverfront Preserve.......................................................................................6-8

6.4.1.3 Mohawk–Hudson Bike–Hike Trail................................................................. 6-8

6.4.2 Historic Sites.........................................................................................................6-8

6.4.2.1 Albany Railroad Viaduct ...............................................................................6-9

6.4.2.2 Livingston Avenue Bridge...........................................................................6-10

6.5 Nationwide Historic Bridges Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation and Applicability to 

the Livingston Avenue Bridge .....................................................................................6-11

6.5.1 Federal Funding..................................................................................................6-11

6.5.2 Use of a Historic Bridge Structure ......................................................................6-11

6.5.3 Not a National Historic Landmark.......................................................................6-12

6.5.4 Alternatives, Findings, and Mitigation................................................................. 6-12

6.5.5 Agreement Through Section 106 on Measures to Minimize Harm.....................6-12

6.5.6 Avoidance Alternatives: Findings........................................................................6-13

6.5.6.1 No Action Alternative ..................................................................................6-13

6.5.6.2 Build on a New Location:............................................................................6-14

6.5.6.3 Rehabilitation Alternative/Bridge Repairs...................................................6-17

6.6 Conclusions ................................................................................................................6-18

Chapter 7: Agency Coordination and Public Involvement....................................................7-1

7.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................7-1

7.2 Agency Coordination.....................................................................................................7-1

7.3 Stakeholder Outreach...................................................................................................7-1

7.4 Section 106 Consultation..............................................................................................7-1

7.5 Public Involvement........................................................................................................7-2

7.6 Public Review of this EA...............................................................................................7-2

Draft Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement (also part of Appendix B-5)................ MOA-1
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Appendices 

A. Design Information

A-1 Design Report

A-2 Plans, Profiles, and Typical Sections

A-3 Conceptual Staging

A-4 Detour Routes

B. Environmental Information

B-1 General Correspondence

B-2 Water Resources and Ecology

B-3 Noise

B-4 USCG Section 9 Jurisdictional Checklist

B-5 Cultural Resources

B-6 Contaminated Materials

B-7 Accident Report Summary and Collision Diagrams

B-8 Public Involvement Plan

B-9 Section 4(f)

C. Right-of-Way Information

D. Navigation Study
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List of Exhibits

S-1 Project Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................ S-2

S-2 Key Characteristics of the Build Alternatives................................................................. S-6

S-3 Summary of Potential Long-Term Impacts and Mitigation ............................................ S-8

S-4 Summary of Temporary Construction-Period Impacts and Mitigation......................... S-12

1-1 Existing (2019) Train Traffic Across Livingston Avenue Bridge (Average Weekday) ..1-6

1-2 Project Goals and Objectives .........................................................................................1-8

2-1 Summary of Alternatives Evaluation ..............................................................................2-2

2-2 Key Characteristics of the Build Alternatives................................................................2-12

2-3 Modifications to Water and Centre Street Bridges, Build Alternatives 1 and 2...............2-15

2-4 Estimated Capital Costs for Build Alternatives ($ Millions) ..........................................2-20

4.3-1 Demographic Characteristics .........................................................................................4-9

4.3-2 Study Area Population: Percent Elderly and Disabled, 2019.......................................4-10

4.4-1 Annual Employment (2010 and 2019)..........................................................................4-12

4.5-1 Historic Architectural Resources within the APE..........................................................4-17

4.8-1 Species with Essential Fish Habitat in the Hudson River Estuary: Life Stages Present ..4-38

4.8-2 Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species Potentially Present in the Study 

Area ..............................................................................................................................4-42

4.10-1 Representative Monitored Ambient Air Quality Data....................................................4-55

4.12-1 Existing Train Movements ............................................................................................4-62

4.12-2 Calculated Existing Noise Levels at Receptor Sites ....................................................4-63

4.12-3 Existing Vibration and Ground-Borne Noise Levels .....................................................4-63

4.12-4 Noise Impact Evaluation of No Action Alternative (in dBA)..........................................4-64

4.12-5 Vibration Impact Evaluation of No Action Alternative...................................................4-64

4.12-6 Noise Impact Evaluation of Build Alternative 1 (in dBA) ..............................................4-65

4.12-7 Noise Impact Evaluation of Build Alternative 2 (in dBA) ..............................................4-66

4.12-8 Vibration Impact Evaluation of Build Alternative 1........................................................4-66

4.12-9 Vibration Impact Evaluation of Build Alternative 2........................................................4-67

4.13-1 Utilities Affected by the Build Alternatives ....................................................................4-68

4.16-1 General Assessment Impact Criteria for Construction Noise (dBA).............................4-89

4.16-2 Results of General Construction Noise Assessment, Bridge Construction and 

Demolition ....................................................................................................................4-91

4.16-3 Results of General Construction Noise Assessment, Approach Tracks .....................4-92

4.16-4 Vibration Source Levels for Construction Equipment...................................................4-93

4.16-5 Construction Vibration Damage Criteria.......................................................................4-93

5-1 Study Area Population: Minority and Income Characteristics, 2019 ..............................5-3

5-2 Environmental Justice Communities in the Study Area Population ...............................5-3
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6-1 Project Goals and Objectives......................................................................................... 6-5

6-2 Section 4(f) Properties FRA Evaluated.......................................................................... 6-7
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List of Figures

Following page:

S-1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... S-1 

S-2 Build Alternative 1 – Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment..................... S-4 

S-3 Build Alternative 2 – Replacement on an Adjacent South Alignment.................... S-5 

1-1 Project Location ..................................................................................................... 1-2 

1-2 Existing Livingston Avenue Bridge Elevation and Plan ......................................... 1-2 

1-3 Views of Existing Livingston Avenue Bridge.......................................................... 1-2 

1-4 Intercity Passenger Rail in New York State ........................................................... 1-3 

1-5 Freight Rail Routes Near Albany ........................................................................... 1-3 

1-6 Track Alignments Near Livingston Avenue Bridge ................................................ 1-3 

2-1 Rail Detour if Livingston Avenue Bridge is Closed ................................................ 2-3 

2-2 Build at a New Location Alternative ....................................................................... 2-7 

2-3 Build Alternative 1 – Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment................... 2-11

2-4 Build Alternative 2 – Replacement on an Adjacent South Alignment.................. 2-11

2-5 Centre Street Bridge Existing Conditions ............................................................ 2-15 

2-6 Water Street Bridge Existing Conditions.............................................................. 2-15

2-7 Build Alternative 1 (North Alignment) Proposed Modifications to 

Centre and Water Street Bridges......................................................................... 2-15

2-8 Build Alternative 2 (South Alignment) Proposed Modifications to 

Centre and Water Street Bridges......................................................................... 2-15

3-1 Navigation Chart .................................................................................................... 3-2 

3-2 Albany Parking Lots near the Livingston Avenue Bridge....................................... 3-4 

4.1-1 Project Setting........................................................................................................ 4-1 

4.2-1 Land Use................................................................................................................ 4-2 

4.2-2 Planned Development............................................................................................ 4-2 

4.2-3 Park Land and Recreational Resources ................................................................ 4-3 

4.2-4 Zoning .................................................................................................................... 4-5 

4.2-5 Property Acquisitions – Alternative 1 ..................................................................... 4-7 

4.2-6 Property Acquisitions – Alternative 2 ..................................................................... 4-7 

4.3-1 Social Conditions and Environmental Justice Study Area..................................... 4-8 

4.5-1 Project APE.......................................................................................................... 4-14 

4.5-2 Location of Historic Properties ............................................................................. 4-17 

4.5-3 Historic Architectural Resources: Livingston Avenue Bridge............................... 4-17 

4.5-4 Historic Architectural Resources: Albany Railroad Viaduct, 

Water Street Bridge.............................................................................................. 4-18 
Livingston Avenue Bridge EA PIN 1935.49

TOC-13 February 2022

4.5-5 Historic Architectural Resources: Albany Railroad Viaduct, 

Centre Street Bridge............................................................................................. 4-18 

4.5-6 Historic Architectural Resources: Central Warehouse and 

Centre Street Railroad Spur Bridge...................................................................... 4-18 

4.6-1 Area of Visual Effect............................................................................................. 4-23 

4.6-2 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-3 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-4 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-5 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-6 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-7 Visual Photographs .............................................................................................. 4-24 

4.6-8 Proposed Replacement Bridge ............................................................................ 4-26 

4.7-1 Sediment Type ..................................................................................................... 4-29 

4.7-2 Water Depth ......................................................................................................... 4-29 

4.7-3 Sediment Environment ......................................................................................... 4-29 

4.7-4 NWI Wetlands....................................................................................................... 4-30

4.7-5 Field Observed Wetlands ..................................................................................... 4-30

4.7-6 FEMA Floodplains ............................................................................................... 4-31 

4.8-1 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation............................................................................ 4-38 

4.12-1 Noise Receptor Locations .................................................................................... 4-62 

4.16-1 Construction Staging Areas.................................................................................. 4-74 

5-1 Environmental Justice Communities in the Study Area ......................................... 5-2 

6-1 Project Setting ........................................................................................................ 6-4 

6-2 Build Alternative 1 – Replacement on an Adjacent North Alignment ..................... 6-4 

6-3 Build Alternative 2 – Replacement on an Adjacent South Alignment .................... 6-4 

6-4 Renderings of Proposed Replacement Bridge....................................................... 6-4 

6-5 Build at a New Location Alternative...................................................................... 6-16 
Livingston Avenue Bridge EA PIN 1935.49

February 2022 TOC-14

List of Acronyms

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

acc/mev Accidents per million entering vehicles

acc/mvm Accidents per million vehicle miles

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

ACM Asbestos-containing materials

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

APE Area of Potential Effects

AREMA American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association 

AST Above-ground storage tank

ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials

BID Business Improvement District

BIN Bridge Identification Number

BOA Brownfield Opportunity Area 

CDTA Capital District Transit Authority

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CERCLIS Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and 

Liability Information System 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CMP New York State Coastal Management Program

CREATE Chicago Rail Efficiency and Transportation Efficiency 

CO Carbon monoxide

CO2 Carbon dioxide

CP Canadian Pacific 

CPP Construction Protection Plan

CSX CSX Transportation Inc.

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

EA Environmental Assessment

ECL New York State Environmental Conservation Law

EDPL Eminent Domain Procedure Law

EFH Essential Fish Habitat

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

ESA Endangered Species Act

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map

fps Feet per second

FRA Federal Railroad Administration