Greenway Conservancy for the Hudson River Valley, Inc. Albany-Hudson Electric Trail (AHET) | Empire State Trail (EST)

GPI was designated to provide design, construction support, and inspection services under a term contract with the Hudson River Valley Greenway (HRVG) for the proposed development of the 36-mile non-motorized AHET trail connecting eight towns, three villages, and two cities in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties.

The trail connects the City of Rensselaer, NY to the City of Hudson, NY. It follows a trolley line corridor, abandoned in 1929, and now operates as an electric transmission corridor. The trail passes through 15 municipalities along the corridor connecting to Hudson Valley’s historic and scenic character. This project required considerable coordination, including all 15 municipalities, Columbia, Rensselaer Counties, NYSDOT, National Grid, and many other public stakeholders and permitting agencies. In addition, easements were also needed from many private properties. The project included the design of six bridges to support National Grid maintenance vehicles and over 100 drainage culverts in varying sizes. The project also included the design of ten trailheads, which provide amenities for the public utilizing the trail.

GPI worked with the HRVG on the implementation of the feasibility and concept plans development with tasks including project scoping, preliminary and final design, right of way determinations, significant environmental review and permitting, significant stakeholder outreach including National Grid along with community outreach and coordination. The design progressed under an accelerated design schedule and included asphalt and stone dust trail design on a combination of terrains/surfaces including a former rail corridor, farm fields, access roadways, through forests, and on-road routes.