Rifenburg Construction has completed the construction of the second phase (Phase II) of Adirondack Rail Trail, stretching from Saranac Lake to Floodwood Road in New York, US.
Phase II, undertaken at a cost of $8.75m, concluded, apart from a specific section that will be reclosed temporarily in October 2024 for seasonal work.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Office of General Services (OGS) have awarded a $7.4m contract to Kubricky Construction for the final phase.
The final phase which will see the 34-mile multi-use recreational corridor extend from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid.
The third phase of the trail's construction is set to commence immediately.
The trail will link the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake, enhancing connectivity and recreational opportunities.
For safety reasons, the DEC has announced that public access to the phase three trail section from Floodwood Road through Tupper Lake will be restricted during the construction period.
Kubricky Construction, responsible for the first phase from Lake Placid to Saranac Lake completed in late 2023, will continue with this final segment.
OGS is tasked with overseeing the design and construction throughout all phases of the trail development.
This project is a part of the DEC's Adventure NY Initiative, aimed at improving public access to state lands and connecting people with nature.
The trail surface will comprise compacted crushed stone and paved sections in select areas, ensuring accessibility for people of all abilities.
The DEC is also upgrading the Saranac Lake Union Depot, with ongoing work such as the installation of a new roof.
Improvements are also planned for depots in Tupper Lake and Lake Placid.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These milestones bring us closer to the completion of the project and I look forward to the final rollout to open the trail for all to enjoy.”
Funding for the ongoing construction and the restoration of the Saranac Lake Union Depot includes a contribution from the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, amounting to $13.1m.
It also includes investments from NY Works and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund.
