Fighting a proposal to erect fencing at locations along the train tracks that would eliminate public access to the Hudson River in many communities.

What’s the plan?

In 2018, Amtrak announced its intention to construct 8,200 feet of fencing and locked barriers at locations along the tracks between Rhinecliff and Stuyvesant.

In January 2019, Amtrak withdrew its plan after an outcry from local officials and citizens in a dozen riverfront communities. The New York State Departments of State and Transportation also helped Amtrak reach this decision.

However, the rail carrier intends to reconsider the fencing proposal as part of a comprehensive five-year safety strategy along the entire Empire Corridor — the train line that stretches from Niagara Falls to New York City.

The proposed eight-foot-tall barriers would:

• Disconnect communities from their waterfront.
• Eliminate public river access at sites long cherished for fishing, boating, swimming and duck hunting.
• Mar outstanding river views in many places.
• Prevent economic development and tourism opportunities along the river.

Scenic Hudson has partnered with riverfront communities to host a series of well-attended informational forums about Amtrak’s plans. We also have commissioned two studies:

At-Grade Passenger Rail Pedestrian & Trail Crossings, Empire Corridor presents successful and viable alternatives to gates and fences that would enhance rail safety and allow public river access.

The Hudson River Access Plan provides perhaps the most comprehensive evaluation ever—and the first undertaken in more than 30 years — of existing public access along the river’s rail corridor between Poughkeepsie and Rensselaer. It also suggests new locations for shoreline access and makes additional recommendations for crossing the rail lines safely.

How can I get involved?

Subscribe to Scenic Hudson’s email list to receive updates and learn about ways you can weigh in on any future proposal.

Success Stories

Hudson River Barge Anchorages

Preserving water quality and habitats, the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned plans for 10 new “parking lots” for vessels carrying hazardous substances. We mobilized thousands of citizens to fight the proposal. 2018

Expanded Crude Oil Operations (Albany)

Decreasing the likelihood of hazardous spills and health threats in local neighborhoods, Global Partners decided not to build new crude oil facilities. We partnered in opposing the expanded operations. 2018

Pilgrim Pipelines (Hudson Valley)

We engaged citizens and communities to oppose this proposal to construct two crude oil pipelines through the valley. The outcry against the project led to its abandonment, halting potential environmental, public health and safety threats. 2017

Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant (Buchanan)

Ending the harm it causes aquatic wildlife and public safety, New York State and plant owner Entergy agreed to close this outdated facility by 2021 — ending our decades-long campaign to shut it down. 2017

Desalination Plant (Haverstraw)

Our six-year campaign to halt construction of an environmentally harmful desalination plant on Haverstraw Bay — site of some of the river’s most important aquatic habitats — ended in victory when plans to build the facility were dropped. 2015

LG Headquarters (Englewood, New Jersey)

In a “win-win” for the environment and the economy, LG Electronics reached an agreement with us and partners to reduce the height of its proposed corporate tower atop the Palisades, preserving magnificent views and keeping jobs in the region. 2015

St. Lawrence Cement Plant (Hudson)

Preserving air quality and iconic views from Olana, NYS rejected plans to erect this 20-building manufacturing complex resulting from our grassroots campaign to stop its construction. 2005

Riverfront Towers (Yonkers)

Securing public riverfront access and preserved downtown Palisades views resulted from a settlement we brokered to stop construction of a wall of 38-story towers along the city’s waterfront. 1989

Sloop Hill (New Windsor)

Preserving a prominently visible river promontory and prime bald eagle habitat, NYS acquired 100 acres slated for a 530-unit condominium. Scenic Hudson played a lead role in securing the land’s protection. 1988

Storm King Mountain (Cornwall)

Conserving the iconic northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands, Con Edison agreed not to build a destructive hydroelectric plant. Scenic Hudson was established to protect the mountain and led the successful 17-year campaign. 1980