Trail under construction with signs reading "trail closed"

Trail Closures

Temporary Closures - Empire State Trail

From time to time, sections of the Empire State Trail may be temporarily closed – typically for 4 to 8 weeks or longer – due to construction activities on the trail corridor or other reasons. Trail closures may be needed during rehabilitation of old deteriorated trail sections, or due to repair of bridges, culverts, or utilities that cross the trail. 

Trail users will need to utilize alternate on-road routes to detour around temporary trail closures. Users not familiar with the area should review these closures and plan ahead as these detours may or may not be signed. 

The following list includes Empire State Trail segments that have been reported as closed or where activities may temporarily impact trail users. (Closures are listed chronologically by section with most recent listed first)

Updated January 16, 2026.

Hudson Valley Section (New York City to Albany)

  • Albany-Rensselaer, Albany & Rensselaer Counties: The pedestrian and bike detour for the Dunn Memorial Bridge over the Hudson River has re-opened. Work will continue for small items such as lighting so users should be aware of contractors using the path.  Click here to see this section on the map.

    Manhattan/New York City, New York County: Starting in March, Manhattan Tunnel Project work will require a small detour of the Hudson River Park segment of the Empire State Trail  between W. 29th Street and W. 30th Street. During this time, the bikeway will be shifted and narrowed to 12 feet, and the walkway will be narrowed to 8 feet.  Users may also encounter construction trucks crossing the trail in this location and should use caution. Detour signage will be installed and users will be protected by 8-foot barriers around work areas and by bollards/jersey barriers separating north and south travel on the path. Work is anticipated to take 6 months to complete after which a more permanent trail accommodation will be constructed in this location. Click here to see this section on the map.

Erie Canalway Trail Section (Buffalo to Albany) 

  • Albany-Rensselaer, Albany & Rensselaer Counties: The pedestrian and bike detour for the Dunn Memorial Bridge over the Hudson River has re-opened. Work will continue for small items such as lighting so users should be aware of contractors using the path.  Click here to see this section on the map.
  • Rochester, Monroe County: The NYS Canal Corporation will begin work to repair multiple sections of the Erie Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail in Rochester between Mount Hope Avenue and Scottsville Road. Work will begin Monday October 27 and last through January, 2026. Trail users should follow detour signage posted along local roads. Click here to see this trail segment.
  • Chittenango-Canastota, Madison County: Beginning June 27, NYS Canal Corporation and NYS Parks will be evaluating a section of the Empire State Trail/Erie Canalway Trail near Kimberlee Drive for trail surface and embankment repair. Users may experience temporary closures and maintenance vehicles, or construction equipment using the trail during this time.  Trail users are advised to slow down, follow signs and flaggers, and use caution. This page will be updated with more details as they are available.  Click here to see this segment on the map.
  • Durhamville, Oneida County: The Empire State Trail will be closed between Lake Road and N Main Street/Rt. 46 in Durhamville for repair work on the Oneida Creek Aqueduct. Trail users should follow local roads and detour signs to bypass the closure. This page will be updated with additional information when available. Click here to see this trail segment.
  • Perinton, Monroe County: Beginning April 2025, NYS DOT will be repairing a highway overpass that carries I-490 above the canal and trail in this location. Trail closures are not expected however users may experience temporary impacts thought out the construction season. At these times, flaggers will be stationed on or near the trails to assist trail users. Work is anticipated to last through fall 2026.
  • Buffalo, Erie County:  The EST/ Shoreline Trail through the former LaSalle Park is now closed as it undergoes a multi-year renovation to become Ralph Wilson Park. Trail users will need to follow the Shoreline Trail on-road detour signage along Niagara Street to connect the trail between Canalside and Porter Ave. Click this link for more project details or Click here to see this trail segment.

Champlain Valley Section (Albany to Rouses Point)

  • Fort Edward, Washington County: Kiewit Corporation will be working on trail restoration for beginning January 16th.  This segment of the Trail will be closed during this time.  Barricades and closure signage will be set up at the end of the Glens Falls Feeder and at the intersection with the 5 combines Trail to direct pedestrian traffic North and West. Trail uers will need to travel on local roads to bypass the closure. This work is expected to last 2 weeks. Click here to see this section on the map.
  • Albany-Rensselaer, Albany & Rensselaer Counties: The pedestrian and bike detour for the Dunn Memorial Bridge over the Hudson River has re-opened. Work will continue for small items such as lighting so users should be aware of contractors using the path.  Click here to see this section on the map.