8) South Troy Passenger Rail Facility and Access

OBJECTIVE: To use the existing South Troy Industrial Branch line at the south end of Troy to provide direct access for Troy residents, college students and visitors to the regional and intercity rail system. A modest passenger boarding facility will contribute to and complement ongoing neighborhood-based economic revitalization studies.

PROJECT JUSTIFICATION: The development of a modest rail passenger boarding facility in South Troy district will complement the access network for both the New York City –Buffalo - Montreal Amtrak rail service and the proposed regional rail service for northern Rensselaer County. This facility is envisioned primarily as a local access point to the system for residents, college students and visitors to the City’s industrial heritage tourism resources. Recent track upgrades by CSX have significantly improved travel times from South Troy to the Rensselaer Amtrak Station, making a passenger rail station in South Troy a viable and cost-effective option.

The new Rensselaer Rail Station, now under construction, is and will continue to be the region’s major intermodal rail facility serving long-distance and interregional travel needs. Develop- ment of the local Troy boarding station will provide additional parking for Rensselaer County residents and others accessing rail service from the north. The project has been identified as an important enhancement to student life by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College. The City views the project as a significant amenity in the establishment of the city's downtown as a regional center for arts, cultural and retail uses.

Amtrak would serve the station by starting specific New York City bound trains in Troy. Developing South Troy will contribute to the Capital Region's unique position to evolve rail services concurrent with the Governor’s High Speed Rail Initiative. This project is one component of a strategy that improves rail, pedestrian, and transit circulation for the purpose of supporting the region’s economy.

DESIGN/SCOPE: The project is in the early stages of development, with a rough concept and preliminary cost estimates. The concept includes minor track upgrades to the existing low-volume freight track, with a modest boarding area and a parking lot located in South Troy. No additional track or structures would be required. Land acquisition for parking would likely be required.

BUDGET: The cost of the project is roughly estimated at $1,000,000, with about half needed for track improvements and half for land acquisition, construction of a sheltered waiting area and parking lot. More refined cost estimates will be available when the South Troy transportation and land use plan is complete in June 2000.

STATUS/SCHEDULE: The project is being studied as part of a comprehensive waterfront planning effort, funded by the New York Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, the federal Transportation Community and System Preservation Program and local contributions. The $500,000 study led by the Troy-based River Street Planning & Development addresses transportation and land use and includes market and environmental assessments needed to attract new businesses to South Troy.

The envisioned rail component is part of a larger multi-modal transportation plan expected to be complete by June 2000. The schedule for implementation of the rail station will be determined by funding availability and regional priorities, and Amtrak service plans. Because the project is modest in scope, implementation would take only 12-18 months after funding becomes available.

RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: City of Troy

Contact Person: Walter VanDeLoo, City Engineer, Troy City Hall, 518-270-4604.

Partner Agencies: Capital District Transportation Authority; New York State Department of Transportation; CSX; Amtrak.