New York State Announces Milestone in Advancement of Adirondack Rail Trail
Transfer of Jurisdiction from DOT to DEC for Tupper Lake-to-Lake Placid Section
Progress Continues along Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Transportation (DOT), in cooperation with the Office of General Services (OGS), today announced the completion of the transfer of jurisdiction for a 34-mile segment of the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor. This portion of the future Adirondack Rail Trail between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid was transferred from DOT to DEC, marking the official start of the trail's design and construction phase and the conversion of the railbed into a shared-use path for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and snowmobile enthusiasts.
"New York State continues to advance the Adirondack Rail Trail for the benefit of outdoor enthusiasts everywhere," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "We thank our colleagues at the Department of Transportation for their efforts over the past year to remove existing rail tie infrastructure and set the stage for the next phase of work. DEC looks forward to working with our partners at the Office of General Services to design, build, and maintain this new and accessible recreational resource for residents and visitors alike."
"With unparalleled scenery, the Adirondack Rail Trail will be one of the premier destinations for people looking for recreational adventure in upstate New York," said DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "The Department of Transportation worked diligently to prepare the trail for the next phase of construction which will be undertaken and completed by our State partners in the coming years. Once finished, the trail will be a model of resiliency and will provide climate-friendly recreational activities for people from across the globe to enjoy."
"The development of a world-class Adirondack Rail Trail will greatly enhance the public's ability to enjoy and explore one of our State's most valuable and beautiful natural resources," OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said. "OGS is committed to working with its partners in State government on projects that preserve natural resources, support regional tourism, and contribute to New York State's economic recovery."
Starting in October 2020, DOT worked to remove rail infrastructure from the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid segment of the corridor, leading to today's transfer of jurisdiction to DEC. The transfer marks 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 assumes management of public safety and recreational activities, as well as maintenance, along this segment of the corridor.
OGS is leading the trail's design and construction with the intent to make it accessible by people of all abilities to the maximum extent practicable. Upon completion of construction, DEC will assume day-to-day management of the trail working closely with stakeholders and municipalities. Estimated timing to complete the Rail Trail is dependent on multiple factors including contract approvals, securing necessary wetland permits, and coordinating with State, Federal, and local entities. Construction of the compacted stone dust surfaced trail will be undertaken in stages. As each stage is finished, the completed portion of trail will open to the public.
The first of the three stages-the Lake Placid to Saranac Lake segment of the trail-is currently scheduled to open September 2023. The complete trail is expected to be open in 2025. The projected cost for the trail is $22.9 million, which will likely be adjusted as design details and final contracted costs are finalized for parking lots; snowmobile, pedestrian, and bicycle pull-offs; retaining walls; stormwater measures; wetland mitigation; signage; and other specifics.
During the trail construction stages, DEC will carefully manage recreation prioritizing public safety. Public use may be limited or restricted in sections due to hazardous conditions or active construction. DEC is undertaking a full assessment of the corridor and providing up-to-date information on corridor conditions, phases of construction, and a public use map on the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor status and condition webpage.
DEC is allowing limited public recreation during trail construction:
- With the exception of snowmobiles and class-1 E bikes, all motor vehicles are prohibited. DEC will enforce this prohibition with gates, bollards, and law enforcement patrol and checkpoints;
- Winter recreation including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing will be permitted;
- Pedestrian (non-motorized) and bicycling (including with class-1 electric bikes) will be the only non-winter uses permitted; and
- Users should always practice Leave No Trace™ principles while recreating by carrying out what you carry in, being prepared for the risks and challenges of the unimproved corridor and varied railbed surface, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other users and adjacent private property. For more information, visit DEC's Hike Smart NY webpage.
Additional details about the 2020 Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan Amendment/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement are available at DEC's website.
DCEE, Region 5
1115 State Route 86 P.O. Box 296
Ray Brook, NY 12977
