New York Transportation

The New York Department of Transportation oversees roads, mass transit systems, ports, waterways and airways in the U.S. state of New York. The department administers and manages the state’s highways, freeways, railways, airports, hospital heliports and implement primary programs to improve accessibility and convenient mobility with cities across New York and also with neighboring states. New York’s transportation network is one of the most extensive and oldest infrastructures in the nation. The programs include-

• Busing Subsidies, Rural Transit Assistance Program (RTAP)
• Statewide Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA)
• Clean Fuels Formula Grant Program
• Industrial Access Program
• Coastal Management Program, Clean Air NY
• Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
• Emergency Relief Program, Federal Transit Funding Programs
• Transportation Enhancement Program (SAFETEA-LU)
• Clean Pass Program,Cultural Resources Guidance
• Fish & Wildlife
• Roadside Vegetation Management and Storm water Management
• Environmental Initiative, Environmental Process
  
  

The road transportation in New York state comprises of several interstate highways, state routes, bridges and tunnels. The New York State Department of Transportation is focused to provide safe and convenient transportation and also to provide easy connectivity to various cities and states. The department administers and maintains numerous state highways, bridges and also handles numerous projects for better transportation network within the state.


The principle north-south highways include:

I-81: It is an eastern Interstate Highway in the United States. It connects from its southern terminus at Interstate 40 in Dandridge, Tennessee to its northern terminus at Wellesley Island at the Canadian border. It has two auxiliary routes, namely Interstate 481 and Interstate 781.

I-87: It links the Bronx approaches of the Triborough Bridge in New York City to the Canadian border in the Town of Champlain. In the Interstate Highway System, the route is the longest intrastate Interstate Highway. I-87 consists of four auxiliary routes, namely Interstate 287, Interstate 487, Interstate 687, and Interstate 787.

I-95: It is the major highway that connects the East Coast of the United States and extends parallel to the Atlantic Ocean seaboard. I-95 serves areas such as Boston, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. in the northern and Baltimore, Richmond, Miami, Savannah, and Jacksonville in the south. Interstate 95 comprises of four auxiliary routes, namely Interstate 295, Interstate 495, Interstate 695, and Interstate 895.

The principle east-west highways are as follows:

I-78: It connects I-81 northeast of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to the Holland Tunnel and Lower Manhattan in New York City. It is an important road that provide linkage and connectivity to almost all ports in the New York City and New Jersey area to points west. I-78 consists of four auxiliary routes, namely Interstate 278, Interstate 478, Interstate 678, and Interstate 878.

I-84: It comprises of two non-contiguous sections, including eastern section and north-western section. In the eastern section, I-84 connects from Dunmore, Pennsylvania to Sturbridge, Massachusetts. Interstate 84 consists of one auxiliary route, Interstate 684.

I-86: It runs through northwestern Pennsylvania and southern New York in the United States and comprises of two segments. The longer segment connects from I-90's interchange east of Erie, Pennsylvania to the Chemung-Tioga County line, while the shorter route runs from I-81 east of Binghamton to NY 79 in Windsor. I-86 has no auxiliary routes.

I-88: It is a vital route that provides main connectivity from the Capital District to Binghamton, Elmira, and Scranton, Pennsylvania. It runs from an interchange with I-81 north of Binghamton to an interchange with the New York State Thruway (I-90) west of Schenectady. I-88 has no auxiliary routes.

I-90: It is the longest Interstate Highway in the nation. I-90's western terminus is located in Seattle, Washington, at Edgar Martinez Drive and its eastern terminus is located in Boston, Massachusetts, at Route 1A near Logan International Airport. Interstate 90 consists of nine auxiliary routes, namely Interstate 190, Interstate 290, Interstate 390, Interstate 490, Interstate 590, Interstate 690, Interstate 790, Interstate 890, and Interstate 990.

New York State Thruway

The New York State Thruway is a system of limited-access highways officially named after the former New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey. It is administered and managed by the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA). The tolled route of the Thruway connects the New York City line at Yonkers to the Pennsylvania state line at Ripley by way of Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo. The Thruway is the among the top five busiest toll road in the United States.

Bicycling in New York

The New York State Department of Transportation's Bicycle Program oversees all the cycling routes in New York State to promote safe and fun bicycle ride. The bicycling program provides great opportunities for one and all to learn about the varied cycling opportunities on both on- and off- road bicycle facilities, information on bicycle facility design guidance, safety and educational information.

New York features system of numbered state bicycle routes, including-

• State Bicycle Route 5
• State Bicycle Route 9
• State Bicycle Route 11
• State Bicycle Route 14
• State Bicycle Route 17
• State Bicycle Route 19
• State Bicycle Route 22
• State Bicycle Route 23
• State Bicycle Route 24
• State Bicycle Route 25A
• State Bicycle Route 27
• State Bicycle Route 28
• State Bicycle Route 32
• State Bicycle Route 44
• State Bicycle Route 114
• State Bicycle Route 199
• State Bicycle Route 208
• State Bicycle Route 209
• State Bicycle Route 308
• State Bicycle Route 517
  
  

Contact Details:
New York State Department of Transportation
Office of Integrated Modal Services
Bicycle and Pedestrian Section
50 Wolf Road, POD 5-4
Albany, N.Y. 12232
Phone: (518) 485-7691
Fax: (518) 457-0779

Bicycle Maps

More Contact Information

Adopt-A-Highway-Program

Adopt-A-Highway-Program provides a great opportunity for individuals, organizations, schools or businesses to help maintain cleanliness of all roads within New York's State Highway System and also plant trees or wildflowers, and helps remove graffiti, to make roads more appealing. The program is a successful government-public partnership program and various schools, social groups, business entities and religious groups actively adopt and participate in the program. The program helps to keeps the state clean by effectively reminding people not to litter, and also assist in saving taxpayers’ money.

Learn more on: Adopt-A-Highway-Program

Scenic Highway Program (include map)

The main mission and goal of the scenic highway program is to safeguard and improve the natural scenic beauty of the highways of New York State including its adjacent corridors. The scenic highways have many stories to tell and offer interesting historical sites and thrilling wildlife views. The program adopts a special conservation treatment to protect the roads and all the corridors from encroachment.

There are 3 nationally designated scenic byways in New York State, namely-

• Great Lakes Seaway Trail, National Scenic Byway
• Lakes to Locks Passage, All American Road
• Mohawk Towpath Byway, National Scenic Byway
  
  

Some of New York State’s designated scenic byways include-

• Adirondack Trail
• Black River Trail
• Blue Ridge Road
• Bronx River Parkway
• Central Adirondack Trail
• Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway
• High Peaks Byway (Route 73)
• Dude Ranch Trail, Durham Valley Scenic Byway
• Mountain Cloves
• Historic Parkways of Long Island
• Maple Traditions , Military Trail
• North Fork Trail and Olympic Trail

Also read: List of New York State Scenic Byways

Contact Details:
New York State Scenic Byways Program
NYSDOT Environmental Analysis
Mark Woods - NYS Scenic Byways Program Coordinator
POD 41 50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12232
Phone: (518) 457-6277
Fax: (518) 457-6887
Email: ScenicByways@dot.state.ny.us

Complete Street program

The Complete Street program is very practical program that has been implemented to ensure safe and convenient mobility of all people using various modes of transportation including bicyclists, pedestrians, transit vehicles, truckers, and motorists and also children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The program functions according to the respective community preferences, road travelers and their needs. The Complete Streets Act was signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo on August 15, 2011 ^[1].

For Queries on planning Complete Streets in New York State,
E-mail to Cathy Kuzsman: Cathy.Kuzsman@dot.ny.gov.

For Queries on the design of Complete Streets,
E-mail to Patricia Coulthart: Patricia.Coulthart@dot.ny.gov.

Tunnels and Bridges in New York

New York State has many tunnels that play a vital connectivity within the state and also with the neighboring states. Most of the tunnels in New York state is centralized within New York City. Some of the major tunnels are listed below.

• Holland Tunnel - It links Lower Manhattan to Jersey City across the Hudson River
  
  
• Lincoln Tunnel - It links Midtown Manhattan to Weehawken, NJ across the Hudson River
  
  
• Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel - It is a tolled tunnel that links Battery Park to Brooklyn
  
  
• Park Avenue Tunnel - It runs in a region of Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan
  
  

Some of the notable bridges in New York state that are mostly localized within New York City include

• George Washington Bridge
• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
• Brooklyn Bridge
• Manhattan Bridge
• Williamsburg Bridge
• Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge
• Triborough Bridge
• Bronx-Whitestone Bridge
• Throgs Neck Bridge
  
  

Also read: List of New York State Public Transport Operators

New York State Air Transportation is a major mode that offers all round efficient and easy intercity and interstate connectivity. The Federal Aviation Administration authorizes and oversees all flight operations in New York State. New York State presents extensive airport system, including 18 commercial service airports, 110 general aviation airports, 5 heliports, and 8 seaplane bases ^[2].


Most of the trade and transportation system of New York City region is administered and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The Authority maintains and operates 6 airports, 3 in New York and 3 in New Jersey and also operates 3 suburban airports (Stewart International Airport in Orange County and Teterboro Airport and Atlantic City International Airport, both in New Jersey). The New York airport system is also one of the major employers of the state.

Listed below are some of the primary airports that offer commercial services

• Albany International Airport
• Greater Binghamton Airport
• Buffalo Niagara International Airport
• Elmira/Corning Regional Airport
• Long Island MacArthur Airport
• Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• LaGuardia Airport (and Marine Air Terminal)
• Stewart International Airport
• Niagara Falls International Airport
• Plattsburgh International Airport
• Greater Rochester International Airport
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport
• Watertown International Airport
• Westchester County Airport

Some Notable Airports in New York are-

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is owned by the City of New York and is the 6th busiest airport ^[3] in the United States that is located in Queens in New York City. JFK is also one of the leading international air cargo centers in the world. JFK is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and handles massive international traffic than any other airport in North America.

Some of the leading airlines that operate to and from JFK include

• Delta Air Lines
• JetBlue
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• United Airlines
• US Airways
• Virgin America
• Air France
• Emirates
• Virgin Atlantic
  
  

The major domestic destinations served by JFK are Los Angeles(Califronia), San Francisco (Califronia), Orlando (Florida), San Juan (Puerto Rico), Las Vegas(Nevada), Boston(Massachusetts), Miami(Florida), Fort Lauderdale(Florida), Charlotte(North Carolina), and Phoenix (Arizona).

The major international destinations served by JFK are London/Heathrow (United Kingdom),Paris/Charles de Gaulle, France, Santiago (Dominican Republic), Frankfurt(Germany), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic), Madrid/Barajas (Spain), Tel Aviv/Ben Gurion(Israel), Amsterdam(the Netherlands), Rome–Fiumicino, and Sao Paulo/Guarulhos (Brazil).

Contact Details:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Jamaica, New York 11430
Phone: (718) 244-4444
Website: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/jfk.html

More Contact Information of JFK

LaGuardia Airport is among the busiest airports in the United States based on total passenger traffics and is located in Queens, New York City. The three major airports, namely JFK International, Newark Liberty International and LaGuardia airports collectively build the largest airport network in the nation and the second largest in the world based on passenger traffic. JFK is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under a long term lease with the New York City.

Some of the leading airlines that operate to and from LaGuardia Airport include-

• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• US Airways
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• JetBlue
• Spirit Airlines
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Frontier Airlines
  
  

Contact Details:
Laguardia Airport,
Flushing, NY 11372
Phone: 718 533-3400
Website: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/lga-about.html

Albany International Airport (ALB)is a public airport owned by the Albany County Airport Authority and is located in the northwest of Albany, in Albany County, New York. The Albany International Airport serves as a major airport for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York and Western New England.

Some of the leading airlines that operate to and from ALB include-

• Cape Air
• Delta Air Lines
• Delta Connection
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines
• United Express
• US Airways
• US Airways Express
  

Contact Details:
737 Albany Shaker Rd,
Albany, NY 12211
Phone: (518) 242-2359
Website: http://flyalbany.com/about-alb/welcome

More Airport Contacts:

• Albany County Airport Authority: 518 242-2222
• Albany International Airport: 518 242-2200
• Paging and Information: 518 242-2299
• Arrival & Departure Information: 518 242-AFLY
• Airlines: 518 242-AIRP
• Parking Rates and Information: 518 242-CARS
• Noise Complaints: 518 242-2320
• Business Center: 518 242-4488
• AvPORTS: 518 242-2200
  
  

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is owned and operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and is located east of downtown Niagara Falls, in Niagara County, New York. The airport has great operational advantages due to its locations close to a major highway, and its close proximity to the Canada/USA border. The leading airlines that operate to and from IAG are Allegiant Air and Spirit Airlines.

Contact Details:
Niagara Falls International Airport,
2035 Niagara Falls Blvd,
Niagara Falls, New York 14304
Website: http://www.niagarafallsairport.com/

For information on Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), please contact at
Phone: 716.855.7300 or TTY/Relay 711 or 800-662-1220 TTY/Relay 711 or 800-662-1220

The railways is also one of the main transportation modes in New York that serves people from all walks of life and also important for cargo transfer. The various types of rail-related public transportation include commuter rail, heavy rail, and light rail. Amtrak is the lone passenger rail service provider that connects all major cities in New York State. Commuter railroads include Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad.
Railroads of New York (RONY) operates the freight rail industry in New York State

The major and popular Amtrak route is the Northeast Corridor, including the Metroliner, Acela Express and Regional. The Northeast Corridor Amtrak route connects between Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts.

Empire Corridor is served by Amtrak's Empire Service trains and connects between New York City and Niagara Falls.

Some of the major Amtrak routes that serve New York and other major cities include-

• Acela Express: Boston - New Haven - New York - Philadelphia - Baltimore - Washington, DC
  
  
• Adirondack: Montreal - Albany - New York
  
  
• Auto Train: Lorton, VA (Washington, DC) - Sanford, FL (Orlando)
  
  
• Capitol LimitedWashington, DC - Pittsburgh - Cleveland - Chicago
  
  
• Cardinal / Hoosier State: New York - Washington, DC - Cincinnati - Indianapolis - Chicago
  
• Carolinian / Piedmont: New York - Raleigh - Charlotte
  
  
• Crescent: New York - Atlanta - New Orleans
  
• Downeaster: Brunswick - Portland - Boston
  
  
• Empire Service: New York - Albany - Syracuse - Rochester - Buffalo - Niagara Falls
  
  
• Ethan Allen Express: Rutland - Albany - New York
  
  
• Keystone: New York - Philadelphia - Harrisburg
  
• Lake Shore Limited: New York/Boston - Albany - Chicago
  
  
• Maple Leaf: Toronto - Niagara Falls - New York
  
  
• Northeast Regional: Boston - Providence / Springfield - Hartford - New York - Washington, DC - Lynchburg / Richmond - Petersburg - Norfolk / Newport News - Virginia Beach
  
  
• Pennsylvanian: New York - Pittsburgh
  
  
• Silver Service / Palmetto: New York - Washington, DC - Charleston - Savannah - Jacksonville - Orlando - Tampa/Miami
  
  
• Vermonter: St. Albans - Burlington - Springfield - New York - Washington, DC

Learn more on: Amtrak Services

Railroads of New York (RONY) operate the major cargo rail industry in New York State. Rony is one of the major employers of the New York State and provide million tons of freight movements annually. RONY comprises of three class railroads, namely- Class I freight railroads, 33 Regional Class II railroads, and Shortline Class III railroads.

Contact Details:
Railroads of New York, Inc.
111 Washington Avenue
Suite 602
Albany, NY 12210
Phone: (518) 463-2603
Fax: (518) 463-5991
E-mail: stw@plummerwigger.com

Learn more on: Railroads of New York

AirTrain JFK is a 3-line passenger train and elevated railway, operated by Bombardier Transportation in New York City. It is owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and provides services to John F. Kennedy International Airport. AirTrain JFK operates daily, all-year-round.

The three major overlapping routes that form the AirTrain system include-

• The Howard Beach route
  
• The Jamaica Station route
• The All Terminals loop
  
  

The New York Waterways serve the state in passenger and cargo movements. Several major ports offer a huge business opportunities and help in the economic strengthening of the state.


The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the East Coast, and the third-largest in the nation and is one of the biggest hubs of consumer markets in the world. Several ports are administered and managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, including Port Newark, the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal, the Howland Hook Marine Terminal, the Red Hook Container Terminal, the Brooklyn-Port Authority Marine Terminal, and the Port Jersey Port Authority Marine Terminal.

The Port of New York and New Jersey provide an extensive gateway for good movement and distribution across the states, the United States and also around the entire world. The Port of New York and New Jersey manages varied cargo, including containers, roll on-roll off automobiles (Ro-Ro), liquid and dry bulk, breakbulk and specialized project cargo.

Contact Details:
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Corporate Offices
225 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212 435-7000
Website: http://www.panynj.gov/port-authority-ny-nj.html

Feedback Hotline: 212 435-3008 to leave a message with your feedback.

Also read: The Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)


The New York State Canal System is a vast navigable waterway and links the Hudson River with Cayuga Lake, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, Seneca Lake, and Lake Erie via the Niagara River. New York State Canal offers many exciting recreational activities, including boating, biking the canal way trail, hiking and many more.

The Canalway Trail is a network of multiple-use trails including major parts of the famous Erie Canal route from Buffalo to Albany. The Erie Canal is a navigable water route that runs from Albany, New York, on the Hudson River to Buffalo, New York, at Lake Erie.

The Canal System comprises of-

• Four Canals (the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca)
• Canalized natural waterways
• Five lakes (Oneida, Onondaga, Cross, Cayuga and Seneca)
• Short Canal sections at Ithaca and Watkins Glen
• Feeder reservoirs, canals and rivers not accessible by boat from the Canal
• Canal terminals on Lake Champlain
  
  

The New York State Canal System offers exciting biking and hiking activities along the Cabalway Trail. Several Biker-Hiker-Boater Campsites are set up along the trail, mostly centralized at canal lock sites. The facilities offered by the sites include four tents area, tables, grills, toilets and water and offer a limited stay period of 48hrs.

Listed below is the contact information of some campsites along Canalway Trail-

• Waterford Canal Visitor Center - 518-233-9123
• Lock 15 Fort Plain - 518-993-4161
• Lock 20 Marcy/Utica - 315-736-4617
• Lock 21 New London - 315-336-8229
• Lock 30 Macedon - 315-986-5631

For biking and cycling tours information, contact Classic Adventures at 800-777-8090.

Contact Details:

New York State Canal System

Administrative Headquarters
200 Southern Blvd.
P.O. Box 189
Albany, NY 12201-0189
Phone: (518) 436-3055

Albany Divsion
Route 9W
Interchange 23
Albany, NY 12209-2098
Phone: (518) 471-5033

Syracuse Division
Suite 250, 2nd Floor
290 Elwood Davis Road
Liverpool, NY 13088-0308
Phone: (315) 438-2303

Buffalo Division
Suite 800
455 Cayuga Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225-1309
(716) 635-6250

Telephone Directory

Learn more on: New York State Canal System

Contact Details:
New York State Department of Transportation Main Office
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12232
Phone: (518) 457-6195
Website: https://www.dot.ny.gov/index

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References:

1. Complete Street Act
2. New York Airports
3. John F Kennedy International Airport