Road Ecology Center

“The mission of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has expanded as it relates to transportation within the Adirondack Park. The Department has long recognized the unique character of the Adirondack Park and the role the transportation system plays not only in providing access, but also in determining the lasting visual experience for the Park visitor. The Travel Corridors in a very real way establish and verify the sense of the Park.” The statement above appears on the poster entitled New York State Department of Transportation Adirondack Park Projects, which includes a map of the Adirondacks and photos with location descriptions of twelve NYSDOT projects. The poster was originally developed to showcase these unique projects at the Grand Opening of the High Peaks Welcome Centers on the Adirondack Northway (I-87), and has since been on display at the centers. Using federal (ISTEA and TEA 21) funds as well as state dedicated transportation funds, these projects were initiated, designed and constructed out of the three NYSDOT regions covering the Adirondack Park. The projects are a representative sample of NYSDOT projects in the Adirondack Park which are sensitive to the unique resources of the Park and incorporate special aesthetic, cultural and environmental treatments to blend in with and enhance these resources. They include: • Rehabilitation of an Historic Stone Arch Bridge over the Ausable River • Bridge Replacement using Native Stone and Brick Treatments in Willsboro, NY • Reconstruction of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad • Opening of a Scenic Vista to Roaring Brook Falls along Route 73 • Construction of two High Peaks Welcome Centers on the Adirondack Northway (I-87) • Construction of a Canoe Launch and Public Access Site at Loon Lake • Bridge Replacement using Textured Formliners and Rustic Bridge Rail in Newcomb, NY • Development of an Interpretive Kiosk in Nobleboro, NY • Development of a Commemorative Monument in Old Forge, NY • Reconstruction of Route 3 incorporating Terraced Rock Cuts and Native Plantings • Rehabilitation of the Saranac Lake Rail Station • Construction of the Saranac Lake Recreational Path along the Adirondack Railroad All of the projects involved extensive coordination and partnerships with involved agencies including the Adirondack Park Agency; the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; local municipalities; environmental interest groups and the general public. This project is submitted relative to two important themes of the ICOET Conference: “Understanding the Ecosystem and Transportation System Connection” and “Establishing Strong Partnerships.”