Kingston Rail Trail

What Was the Challenge?

The goal of the Kingston Rail Trail project, now known as the O&W Connector, was to complete a critical missing link between Washington Avenue in downtown Kingston and the O&W Rail Trail in the Town of Hurley. The trail will enhance the regional non-motorized transportation network while overcoming environmental, utility, and right-of-way challenges. The project required coordination with Central Hudson Gas & Electric, as half of the 1.8-mile trail was constructed below high-voltage transmission lines on utility-owned property and near an active substation.

How Did Barton & Loguidice Provide a Solution?

Barton & Loguidice’s transportation group in Albany provided preliminary and final design, right-of-way acquisition, environmental permitting, and construction inspection and administration services, ensuring compliance with locally administered federal aid project requirements for Ulster County. The team carefully minimized wetland and stream impacts through avoidance strategies and repurposed existing railroad bridges to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, allowing the trail to span sensitive wetlands and creeks. A new parking lot and trailhead amenities were established at Washington Avenue to improve accessibility and usability of the trail.

Why Was This Project a Success?

Through extensive coordination between the B&L design team and Ulster County Planning Department, the project team was able to acquire the property needed to build and maintain the trail. The project team also had extensive coordination with Central Hudson Gas & Electric to ensure that the trail was built and will function safely below the active high-voltage transmission lines. By overcoming these utility and environmental constraints, the project provides residents and visitors with a seamless, sustainable recreational and transportation option, fostering greater mobility while promoting regional trail use. This new segment links downtown Kingston to over 30 miles of established trails and adds to the County’s extensive network of more than 75 miles of trails.