New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08309

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
5/5/26  
Engrossed
5/11/26  

Caption

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

Impact

If enacted, A08309 would amend the public authorities law by introducing a new requirement for public authorities to analyze the potential for improving bicyclist and pedestrian access on roadway bridges. This could encourage significant investment in public infrastructure and provide safe passage for non-vehicular traffic. Additionally, it mandates a public report within one year of the bill's enactment detailing the findings and recommendations of the feasibility study, ensuring transparency and public engagement in development processes.

Summary

Bill A08309 is designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access on bridges throughout the state by mandating specific public authorities to conduct a feasibility study regarding such access. The bill is aimed at improving infrastructure to support non-motorized transportation methods, which align with contemporary urban planning strategies encouraging sustainable transport. It specifically tasks authorities such as the New York state bridge authority and others to identify suitable bridges and suggest capital projects within their jurisdiction to promote safe access for cyclists and pedestrians.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill may encounter points of contention, particularly related to funding and prioritization. Stakeholders might debate the allocation of resources needed for the capital projects identified in the feasibility studies against other pressing infrastructure needs. Moreover, some lawmakers could express concerns about the effectiveness of such studies in yielding actionable plans versus the immediate repair and upgrade needs of current bridge structures.

Companion Bills

NY S05178

Same As Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

Previously Filed As

NY S05178

Requires the New York state bridge authority, the Thousand Islands bridge authority, the Nassau county bridge authority, the Ogdensburg bridge authority, and the New York state thruway authority to develop a feasibility study to promote bicycle and pedestrian access on bridges and provide a report to the governor, temporary president of the senate, speaker of the assembly, and the public a copy of such plan.

NY A05024

Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY S09216

Directs the Department of Transportation, the Bridge Authority, the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel authority, the Thruway authority, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to each conduct a study of certain bridges spanning bodies of water connected to deep water ports in the state to determine whether such bridges have the structural integrity to withstand an impact from large vessels such as cargo ships, oil tankers and cruise ships; requires a report and recommendations; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.

NY A04821

Directs the New York state bridge authority to provide a report by July 1, 2027, outlining their efforts and progress on decreasing and deterring suicide attempts on authority bridges.

NY A04488

Directs the New York state thruway authority to discontinue the collection of tolls at the Grand Island bridges in the Niagara section of the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway.

NY SB00519

An Act Amending A Prior Conveyance Of State Land To The Bridgeport Port Authority.

NY S03053

Requires the installation of climb deterrent fencing on all bridges under the jurisdiction of the New York State Bridge Authority.

NY HB06364

An Act Studying The Feasibility Of Relocating The New Haven And Bridgeport Correctional Centers.

NY A09030

Directs the New York state energy resource and development authority, in collaboration with the New York state thruway authority, the department of transportation, and the New York power authority, to conduct a feasibility study on installing solar panels and other renewable energy systems along state highways and to submit a report relating thereto.

NY A09070

Directs the commissioner of transportation, in consultation with the New York state bridge authority, thruway authority, triborough bridge and tunnel authority, metropolitan transportation authority, and port authority of New York and New Jersey, shall conduct a statewide study and review of the tolling authorities' regulations and policies in relation to cashless tolling and tolls by mail collection (Part A); provides that no fine, fee or administrative charge for the late payment of a toll shall exceed ten per centum of the amount of such toll owed or be accessed within one hundred eighty days from the date of the incurred toll (Part B); requires the department of transportation, in consultation and cooperation with the New York state thruway authority, the New York state bridge authority, the metropolitan transportation authority, and the Port authority of New York and New Jersey, maintain a central website with the contact information for each authority's relevant toll payer advocate office and customer service center including phone numbers, email addresses and a website address or hyperlink for each authority's toll payer advocate help request form (Part C); establishes a cashless tolling amnesty program for certain public authorities (Part D).

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