SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Mayor Gary McCarthy announced that the City will turn on new lights for the first time on the large rail bridge crossing Erie Boulevard in Schenectady to welcome the return of Rivers Casino & Resort. The rail bridge is located at the crossing of Union Street and Erie Boulevard.

“We are celebrating the return of Rivers Casino by turning on new LED lighting that the City has installed on the Erie Boulevard rail bridge that is a gateway to the casino and Mohawk Harbor,” Mayor McCarthy said.

The lighting installation is the last phase of a multi-year project that brought the new rail station to Schenectady.  The lighting project was added to the bid for the new station and City Engineer Chris Wallin worked with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Amtrak to light up the rail bridge, which is adjacent to the new station.

The lighting on the bridge can be coordinated with the lighting at the new station, as well as a number of other lighting installations downtown, including the rail overpass on State Street, lighting at the Metroplex Parking Garage, City Hall, Key Hall, Gateway Plaza and other downtown attractions.

“The goal is to light up the Electric City and this bridge lighting is another step forward in showcasing the revitalization of downtown Schenectady as we welcome visitors back to Rivers Casino,” Mayor McCarthy added.

“This project would not have been possible without the cooperation and support of Amtrak and DOT,” said City Engineer Chris Wallin. “They too realize how important lighting can be to energize a community and create a sense of place. Together we have brought the bridge to life.”