How Albany converted an underused highway ramp into a city park

The Albany Skyway is the first project of its kind to convert an elevated highway ramp into an ADA-compliant linear park. The Skyway reconnects downtown and the Arbor Hill and Warehouse District neighborhoods to the Mohawk Hudson Hike Bike Trail and the Hudson River, addressing the community’s desire for greater access to open space, existing parks, and the waterfront.

Our award-winning design required extensive analyses, detailed design, and an interdisciplinary team. Every facet of the new park is accessible and constructed with long-term maintenance in mind. The work of our landscape architects, structural engineers, traffic engineers, electrical engineers, civil engineers, and security experts was critical, as was coordination with utility providers and neighboring property owners. Community engagement through placemaking built excitement for the Skyway and integrated local context in the programming and design of the space.

The vibrant linear park provides space for social gatherings, festivals, and other events. But more than that, it introduces a more walkable downtown and a civic destination that is unique to the City of Albany.