New Bike Lanes and Sidewalk Along Historic Union Avenue Will Improve Access to Saratoga Race Course and the City's Downtown District

Union Avenue to be Resurfaced; Work Will Pause for Summer Racing

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work is getting underway on a $5.7 million project to enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety along Union Avenue in the City of Saratoga Springs. The Complete Streets project will add a new sidewalk and bike lanes to this vital roadway, which serves as a gateway to the city's vibrant downtown area and the historic Saratoga Race Course. Union Avenue will also be resurfaced as part of the project.

"Expanding bicycle and pedestrian access is an essential part of our commitment to invest in infrastructure that reconnects communities and provides new opportunities for recreation, tourism and economic growth," Governor Hochul said. "This Complete Streets project in Saratoga Springs will add to the charm of this historic upstate city and make it easier for residents and visitors to explore all that it has to offer without getting in their cars."

The project was planned and designed to fulfill the goals of the New York State Department of Transportation's "Complete Streets" initiative to consider safe, convenient access and mobility for roadway users of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets projects consider the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, motorists, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Complete Street designs contribute to a cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation system. In December, Governor Hochul signed legislation to provide additional support for municipal "Complete Streets" projects across the state.

Union Avenue, which is also known as State Route 9P, connects to the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87) at Exit 14, forming one of the entryways to Saratoga Springs and the historic horse racing track that draws more than 1 million visitors annually. The road's link to Saratoga's horse racing history is well established. In August, Governor Hochul designated Union Avenue as "Marylou Whitney Way," after the late philanthropist and staple of the Saratoga community. The late, legendary sportswriter Red Smith was also famously rumored to have provided the following directions to Saratoga Race Course: "From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years."

As part of the project, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will install a new sidewalk compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act on the north side of Union Avenue to connect Polk Avenue and the New York Racing Association Gate 16 with East Avenue. Five-foot-wide bike lanes will be painted in both directions between East Avenue and Henning Road.

An approximately three-mile stretch of Union Avenue between East Avenue and the bridge over Saratoga Lake will be surfaced and new drainage structures will be added between East Avenue and Henning Road to improve storm water runoff. Westbound Union Avenue will be reduced to one lane during construction; however, no work will be allowed to take place during the summer racing season. The remainder of the work will resume after Labor Day. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 2024.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Race Course are jewels of the Capital Region and among the most popular attractions in New York State. With these improvements to Union Avenue, we are making it easier for area residents and visitors to leave their cars behind and experience Saratoga by walking or riding a bicycle - allowing everyone to enjoy the history and vitality of this community and its popular recreational destinations."

State Senator Jim Tedisco said, "This new bike lane and sidewalk along Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs will provide residents and visitors to the historic Saratoga Race Course a safe and convenient way to walk, bike ride, and exercise in the Spa City."

State Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "I express deep gratitude to Governor Hochul for this large and much needed safety project given the intense use of Union Avenue, especially during racing season. With parking lots and horse stables on both sides of Union, there are tourists, backstretch workers and thoroughbred horses crossing throughout the day and night, in addition to the cars, bicycles, golf carts and hay-filled trucks. This Department of Transportation Complete Streets project is going to increase everyone's safety tremendously and I couldn't be more thrilled."

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz Jr. said, "In Saratoga County, we have made it a priority to support safe ways to share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists through our trails initiative, which creates and promotes walking and biking countywide. Creating more walkable and bikeable communities, especially in our largest city Saratoga Springs, helps to maintain Saratoga County's status as one of the healthiest counties in New York State. I'm thankful to Governor Hochul and New York State Department of Transportation for investing in Saratoga County through the 'Complete Streets' initiative."

City of Saratoga Springs Mayor Ron Kim said, "I am very excited Governor Hochul is making this investment of multi-use trails in our community. My administration has been promoting and building connected networks of bike and pedestrian paths throughout the city to reduce greenhouse emissions, cut down car traffic, and ultimately make Saratoga more accessible to all its residents and protect the environment for future generations. This project is a crucial part of that effort and a critical element in the implementation of our Complete Streets plan."

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

Motorists are reminded to move over a lane, if safely possible, or slow down significantly whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.