Construction of Lake Placid portion of rail trail begins

ALBANY | On Nov. 2, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the start of construction for the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use recreational path for outdoor adventurers between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid. The first of three construction phases will convert the former railbed along the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake segment of the corridor into a world-class shared-use path for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobile enthusiasts. "New York is home to some of the nation's most scenic regions with spectacular landscapes and incredible recreational opportunities," Gov. Hochul said. "The Adirondack Rail Trail will be a premier attraction in one of our most picturesque regions, and will allow residents and visitors to experience the Adirondacks with ease, while also connecting them to countless local economies and communities." Once complete, the Adirondack Rail Trail will connect the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. The route will allow users to enjoy the unique charm and amenities of each community while providing access to miles of breathtaking trails, numerous campsites, and abundant waterways in the Forest Preserve lands adjacent to the travel corridor. Interpretive signage will help visitors learn about the history of the railway, cultures of adjacent communities, and surrounding lands and waters. The trail is expected to be completed in 2025. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of General Services (OGS) recently awarded Kubricky Construction Corp. of Wilton, Saratoga County, the $7.9 million contract for the first phase of construction. The contract is funded by NY Works, with an additional $225,000 supported by the Environmental Protection Fund for construction oversight and inspections. The project is part of DEC's strategic investments through the Adventure NY initiative to enhance public access to State lands and facilities and connect people with nature and the outdoors. The trail is designed to be accessible by people of all abilities to the maximum extent practicable. The majority of the trail surface will consist of compacted crushed stone. The trail will be paved in select areas within the village of Saranac Lake and on small sections of trail over bridges. Work to transform the trail started in October 2020 when the State Department of Transportation (DOT) worked to remove rail infrastructure from the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid segment of the corridor. In March 2022, DEC and DOT announced the transfer of jurisdiction to DEC. The transfer marked the formal completion of the rail removal phase and begins the start of the formal trail design and construction phase. With the transfer of jurisdiction, DEC assumed management of public safety and recreational activities, as well as maintenance, along this segment of the corridor. This phase of construction will start at Station Street in Lake Placid, just west of the Lake Placid Depot, and end just past the Saranac Lake Depot near the intersection of Cedar Street and Route 86. This phase also includes construction of a parking area in Tupper Lake and is anticipated to continue through next year. To protect public safety, access to the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake segment of the corridor has been restricted during active construction. The public will be allowed in the corridor during the winter shutdown period beginning Dec. 19. Construction will recommence in the spring. The Saranac Lake to Tupper Lake trail segments will remain open to interim recreation throughout the first phase of construction. Access in the vicinity of the Tupper Lake terminus will be restricted during parking lot construction. OGS will continue to oversee trail design and construction throughout all three phases. Upon completion of construction, DEC will assume day-to-day management of the trail, working closely with stakeholders and municipalities. DEC currently manages public safety and interim recreational activities, as well as general maintenance, along the Lake Placid to Tupper Lake segment of the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor. State Senator Dan Stec said, "Our region is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The rail trail will only further this reputation, and will be a great asset for residents and visitors alike when completed." Assemblyman Matthew Simpson said, "I am excited to see this world-class amenity come to fruition not only for residents of the Adirondack Park and the North Country but also for the countless visitors from all over who are bound to experience it. The beauty of the Adirondack Park is something to be marveled and experienced firsthand. The Rail Trail will provide an opportunity for countless new adventure seekers whom otherwise may not have the chance."

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Construction of Lake Placid portion of rail trail begins

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