Western Avenue Improvement

WESTERN AVENUE, ALBANY, NEW YORK

 IMPROVEMENT PLAN 

VISION STATEMENT

May 2023

Western Avenue (Route 20) is a major gateway to the Capital City of New York State; as well as the main thoroughfare between the Uptown and Downtown Campuses of UAlbany.

As such, it is critical that its infrastructure be maintained at the highest levels that will not only facilitate optimal traffic flow but also present Albany and its neighborhoods along this route in the best possible light. Doing so brings pride to its neighborhoods and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal to the City at large.

Currently, the road is in dire need of repair, structurally as well as markings and signage. 

Speed is a major Safety concern, as is water retention and drainage problems which cause problems to various property owners multiple times each year.

Priorities for Western Avenue Improvements from UAlbany entrance to Madison Avenue Triangle:

• Remove old asphalt and repave entire stretch of Western Avenue

• Improve and install appropriate drainage infrastructure

• Traffic Flow Improvement for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists that would include

  • • Speed Control via cameras and police enforcement

    • Markings and New Lanes for drivers and bikers 

    • Appropriate timing of traffic signals

• Bridge signage and neighborhood banners

Cost Sharing: it is envisioned that this multi-year project would be financially supported by funding from: federal infrastructure allocations, as well as NYS DOT and City allocations from the Departments of DGS and the Albany Water Board Stormwater Management/Green Infrastructure capital improvements.

Next Steps: Develop a master plan with input from all necessary stakeholders including: 

• State DOT

• City Departments: DGS, Planning and Water

• CDTA

• Neighbors