Investment Priorities
Bulls Head Road Bridge, Stanford, New York
To focus our investment on addressing the barriers identified in Moving Dutchess Forward, we recommend a series of investment priorities and illustrative projects. For the Investment Priorities, which are meant to be holistic and ongoing, we provide a description, list the barriers addressed, and estimate costs for the short (2027-2030), mid (2031-2040), and long-term (2041-2050) periods. Many of these Investment Priorities focus on maintaining a state of good repair and continuing existing transportation services.
For the Illustrative Projects, we provide a project description and details such as the barriers addressed, potential funding sources, timeframe for implementation, and a cost estimate based on the expected timeframe. These projects are more transformative but would require additional funding.
You can explore these recommendations below and view them on our Investment Priorities map.
Investment Priorities
We envision these priorities as ongoing projects in our five-year capital program-TIP to help address the trends, barriers, and needs identified in Moving Dutchess Forward, with a focus on maintaining the transportation system. Funding for specific standalone projects that meet the intent of these investment priorities will be prioritized based on how well the project addresses identified barriers, including safe access, reliable access, basic needs, and transportation for all. Projects will be implemented in cooperation with the road owner or applicable agency.
In total, we estimate $198 million in highway investment and $144 million in transit investment in the short-term, $593 million in highway and $395 million in transit investment in the mid-term, and $772 million in highway and $466 million in transit investment in the long-term. For the entire planning period, this equates to over $1.5 billion in highway and $1 billion in transit investment.
This leaves small amounts of estimated highway funds available in the short- and mid-term periods, and a somewhat larger deficit in the long-term period. However, our priority highway investments are close to our expected funding over the full planning period.
For transit, the estimated cost of our bus investment priority results in deficits in each of the time periods. Any deficit would need to be made up by additional non-federal funds. Additionally, our cost estimates assume flat funding levels and no new or outside funding, which we believe is unlikely. See our Fiscal Constraint table for details.
INNOVATIVE FINANCING
For decades, traditional funding sources for transportation have been insufficient to meet our needs. In response, the federal government, states, and others have developed innovative financing tools. The Federal Highway Administration’s Center for Innovative Finance Support outlines several of these, including:
- Public-private partnerships: private entities help fund, design, build, operate, and/or maintain projects
- Alternative project delivery: cost-saving contracts, such as bulk purchasing and bundled projects
- Value capture: a portion of the increase in property value due to a project is used to pay for the improvements. Tax-increment financing is an example.
Other financing tools include:
- Tolls and user fees to repay construction costs and fund operations and maintenance.
- Local option sales taxes (i.e., a percentage added to a local sales tax) dedicated to transportation projects
- Special assessment or improvement districts, such as Business Improvement Districts or Sidewalk Improvement Districts.
More flexible funding would also help projects succeed, such as allowing NYSDOT to transfer some of its funds to local projects in exchange for federal funds, so that local project sponsors can use the more flexible state funds; bundling projects (such as bridge repairs) into a single contract; leveraging regional funding programs; and relaxing regulations tied to federal and state funds so that local communities can use more money for projects and less for paperwork.
1. Road Maintenance & Operations
This includes a broad range of maintenance work needed to keep our roads functioning, such as road repaving and repairs, intersection improvements, road signs and markings, drainage work, and traffic signal upgrades. Well-maintained roads are essential in providing safe and reliable access, and this work makes up the largest share of the investment in our Plan. This investment is focused on federal-aid eligible roads, particularly those on the National Highway System (NHS). The cost estimate is based on our estimated road maintenance needs through 2050.
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $102 million
- Mid-Term: $314 million
- Long-Term: $421 million
- Total: $836 million
2. Bridge Maintenance & Replacements
This includes maintenance work to keep our bridges functioning, such as bridge repairs and painting, as well as complete bridge replacements and major upgrades. These projects are critical to providing safe and reliable access, especially for emergency response and building climate resilience. This investment is focused on bridges rated in poor condition and assumes a replacement cycle of two bridges per year. The cost estimate is based on our estimated bridge maintenance needs.
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $56 million
- Mid-Term: $172 million
- Long-Term: $231 million
- Total: $459 million
3. Transportation Safety Improvements
This includes safety improvements at high crash and high-risk locations, such as pavement treatments and markings, sign upgrades, guiderail upgrades, speed feedback devices, and traffic calming treatments. It also includes implementing recommendations from our Safety Action Plan and past and future safety assessments and corridor plans. The cost estimate is based on our estimated available safety funding,
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, access for all
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $8 million
- Mid-Term: $21 million
- Long-Term: $21 million
- Total: $49 million
4. Sidewalks & Other Walking Improvements
This includes sidewalk repairs and replacements, new sidewalks, improved crossings, and sidewalks on bridges. This includes implementing recommendations from Walk Bike Dutchess and our local pedestrian plans, with a focus on repairing sidewalks in poor condition. The cost estimate is based on our estimated sidewalk maintenance needs.
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, access for all
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $12 million
- Mid-Term: $36 million
- Long-Term: $48 million
- Total: $95 million
5. Rail Trail Maintenance
This includes maintaining and improving our rail trails, such as repaving the WRS Dutchess Rail Trail and providing connections to schools, parks, and other basic need destinations. The cost estimate is based on our estimated rail trail maintenance needs.
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, access for all
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $2 million
- Mid-Term: $5 million
- Long-Term: $7 million
- Total: $16 million
6. Bus Service Maintenance & Operations
This includes operating and capital needs for the County’s bus service, such as maintenance, repairs, and bus replacements. Where possible, it includes improvements to bus service, such as more frequent service in core areas and additional evening or weekend service. Other investments, such as updated software, hardware, and bus stop shelters, are also included. The cost estimate is based on our estimated bus maintenance and operational needs.
- Barriers addressed: Reliable access, access to basic needs, access for all
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $82 million
- Mid-Term: $240 million
- Long-Term: $311 million
- Total: $633 million
7. Train Service Maintenance & Operations
This includes operating and capital needs for rail service in the county, including ways to improve walking, bicycling, and transit access to train stations, such as sidewalks, wayfinding signage, and vehicle and bicycle parking. The cost estimate is based on our estimate of future federal funding for the MTA in Dutchess County.
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $62 million
- Mid-Term: $155 million
- Long-Term: $155 million
- Total: $373 million
8. Congestion Management & Traffic Operations
This includes projects that address congested areas and improve traffic operations, such as turn pockets, signal timing changes, roundabouts, and access management. It also includes technology solutions to move vehicles more efficiently. The cost estimate is based on our estimated Congestion Mitigation (CMAQ) funding.
- Barriers addressed: Reliable access
- Cost estimate:
- Short-Term: $18 million
- Mid-Term: $46 million
- Long-Term: $46 million
- Total: $109 million
Investment Priorities: Estimated Costs
| Investment Priority | Planning Period Cost Estimate (2027-2050)* | Estimate Based on | Funding Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Maintenance & Operations | $836 | Maintenance needs | Highway funds |
| Bridge Maintenance & Replacements | $459 | Maintenance needs | Highway (bridge) funds |
| Transportation Safety Improvements | $49 | Expected HSIP funds | Highway safety funds |
| Sidewalks & Other Walking Improvements | $95 | Maintenance needs | Highway funds & competitive awards |
| Rail Trail Maintenance | $16 | Maintenance needs | Highway funds |
| Bus Service Maintenance & Operations | $633 | Maintenance needs | Transit funds (Federal, State & County/local) |
| Train Service Maintenance & Operations | $373 | Expected MTA funding | Transit funds |
| Congestion Management & Traffic Operations | $109 | Expected CMAQ funds | Highway funds (CMAQ & others) |
| Total cost | $2,570 |
Shown in $-millions
* All projects are ongoing
Fiscal Constraint
| Available Funding (full planning period) | Investment Priorities | Balance* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway | $1,598 | $1,565 | $33 |
| Transit (County bus service) | $370 | $633 | $(263) |
| Total | $1,968 | $2,198 | $(230) |
Shown in $-millions
* We assume additional funding, including non-federal funding, to support bus transit, based on past practice.
Illustrative Projects
The illustrative projects listed below address identified needs and barriers and that have transformational impacts. Almost all of them have been planned or are actively being planned. However, we show them as ‘illustrative’ because we have not identified future funding to support them. Those that are ready for implementation are shown as Short-Term, while those that require additional design work are shown as Mid-Term. The most complex projects are shown as Long-Term.
For each project, we developed a planning-level cost estimate based on recent funding applications, planning studies, and comparable projects. We updated the cost to current dollars based on historic inflation and then projected that cost out to the first and last year of the estimated timeframe, assuming an annual inflation rate of three percent. The range of costs also accounts for potential changes to the project design, materials costs, and other factors.
While our estimate of available funding did not assume any new funding sources or changes to funding levels, it is possible that additional resources will be available in the future, including new funding programs, grants, earmarks, and innovative financing models (see discussion below). A portion of the funding for our investment priorities could also be pooled to support these illustrative projects.
A. Market Street Two-way Redesign
This project redesigns Market Street, located in the heart of the City of Poughkeepsie, from a one-way to a two-way street, along with new traffic signals and lane markings, curb extensions, separated bicycle lanes, improved crossings, and streetscape improvements. Market Street serves as the primary civic street in the county, home to County offices, City Hall, and key attractions such as the Bardavon Theater and Civic Center.
The redesign will improve downtown circulation, reduce congestion, and increase safety for all road users. Based on our Barriers to Safe Access analysis, Market St poses a high-risk to pedestrians crossing, and it is surrounded by arterials which have a high risk of speeding. Market Street is in a high vulnerability area with a severe housing cost burden. This project builds on years of planning as part of Poughkeepsie’s City Center Connectivity Project.
- Location: City of Poughkeepsie
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: TAP, Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), Local
- Sponsor: City of Poughkeepsie
- Timeframe: Short term
- Cost estimate: $7-9 million
B. Human Services Transportation
This project bundles several strategies to improve mobility for older adults and people with disabilities, based on the recommendations of our 2026 Coordinated Plan.
The strategies include developing a coordinated transportation communications and information program; establishing a Mobility Coordination Committee; establishing a mobility management function; improving data sharing and technology coordination; improving rural mobility and flexible transportation options; exploring a coordinated transportation brokerage pilot; and supporting workforce development and shared driver resources.
- Location: Dutchess County
- Barriers addressed: Reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Transit Administration (Section 5310, Section 5307, & Section 5311)
- Sponsor: Dutchess County and Human Service Agencies
- Timeframe: Short term
- Cost estimate: $0.5 million per year
C. Route 44/55 Arterials Redesign
This project redesigns the eastbound and westbound Route 44/55 arterials in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie from three-lane, one-way streets to two-lane streets with curb extensions, street trees, and bicycle and/or transit improvements. The arterials currently pose a high risk for speed-related, intersection, and pedestrian crossing crashes. Residents in this area also face a severe housing cost burden, and these corridors travel through high vulnerability areas.
This project builds on the planning work done in our Poughkeepsie 9.44.55 study. The redesign will slow speeds, reduce crashes, improve safety for walking and bicycling, and enhance livability along the corridors
- Location: City & Town of Poughkeepsie
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Highway (NHPP, STBG, HSIP)
- Sponsor: NYSDOT
- Timeframe: Mid-term
- Cost: $30-40 million
D. Beacon-Hopewell Rail Trail
This project constructs a 13-mile rail trail along the former Beacon railroad line from the City of Beacon’s waterfront to Hopewell Junction in the Town of East Fishkill, where it connects to the Dutchess Rail Trail and the statewide Empire State Trail.
This rail trail will provide a safe walking and bicycling alternative to Route 52, which is a high-risk corridor for various crash types and has limited sidewalks. It will also fill an important gap in our rail trail network by connecting Beacon and Fishkill to the regional and statewide network. Part of the City of Beacon served by the trail is a transportation vulnerability focus area. The project is based on our 2025 feasibility study.
- Location: City of Beacon; Village of Fishkill; Towns of Fishkill & East Fishkill
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal & State grants; private funding; local funds
- Sponsor: Local municipalities
- Timeframe: Mid-term
- Cost estimate: $60-80 million
E. Redesigning State Routes through Town and Village Centers
This project supports the revitalization of Town and Village centers through the redesign of key State road corridors and intersections. These efforts would improve safety and traffic operations on these main streets. These redesigns may include roundabouts, new sidewalks and crosswalks, consolidated driveways, streetscape improvements, and other design features.
- Location: Town/Village centers, including East Fishkill (Hopewell Junction), Pleasant Valley, Wappingers Falls, Rhinebeck, Red Hook, Millbrook, and others
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Highway (NHPP, STBG, HSIP)
- Sponsor: NYSDOT
- Timeframe: Mid- to Long-Term
- Cost estimate: Varies based on location and scope
F. Route 9/44/55 Interchange Redesign
This project redesigns the Route 9/44/55 interchange in the City of Poughkeepsie to improve traffic safety and operations. While the interchange was not included in our crash analysis due to its complexity, it is a known high-crash and high-conflict area. The approach to the interchange is a High Congestion Segment, as is the portion of 44/55 westbound across it. Many residents in this area face a severe housing cost burden, and the interchange is near several transportation vulnerability focus areas.
The proposed design includes two roundabouts, removes several left-side ramps, and eliminates weaving conflicts. This project builds on the planning work done in our Poughkeepsie 9.44.55 study.
- Location: City of Poughkeepsie
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Highway (NHPP, STBG, HSIP)
- Sponsor: NYSDOT
- Timeframe: Long term
- Cost estimate: $50-65 million
G. I-84/Route 9D Interchange Improvements
This project addresses congestion and safety issues at the I-84/Route 9D interchange by replacing the bridge over I-84, adding turn lanes on Route 9D, redesigning the on- and off-ramps, updating traffic signals, and improving pedestrian and bicycle access in the area. This interchange is one of the most congested areas in the county as described in our traffic congestion analysis, and includes several High Congestion Segments. In addition, intersections on Route 9D at the interchange are high-risk for pedestrian and intersection crashes, based on our Barriers to Safe Access analysis. The interchange lies just north and transportation vulnerability focus area.
This project builds on our Congestion Management Process and City of Beacon – Beekman Street Complete Streets Analysis.
- Location: Town of Fishkill
- Barriers addressed: Safe access, reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Highway (NHPP, STBG)
- Sponsor: NYSDOT
- Timeframe: Long term
- Cost estimate: $25-32 million
H. Zero-Emission Bus Fleet
This project converts the County’s bus system to battery electric or fuel cell buses, based on recommendations from a 2026 study and implementation plan. This would involve not only a new bus fleet, but new or expanded facilities, charging infrastructure, and staff training.
- Location: Dutchess County
- Barriers addressed: Reliable access, access to basic needs, transportation for all
- Funding source: Federal Transit Administration, federal, & state grants
- Sponsor: Dutchess County
- Timeframe: Long term
- Cost estimate: $240-380 million
MOVING DUTCHESS FORWARD
When we began thinking about this plan, we purposely sought to humanize the narrative – turning our focus away from the infrastructure itself and instead to the reasons why we have infrastructure in the first place. We strove to better understand how people interact with our transportation system, acknowledging its failings, but also its opportunities. We also wanted a plan that resonated with the public and would stand the test of time. This plan is a resource for us but also for you, and we intend to update it as needs and conditions change. We’re excited to work on Moving Dutchess Forward with you.
MEASURING OUR PROGRESS
We have established a series of performance measures that we will track on a regular basis to gauge our progress in improving safety, reliability, access to basic needs, and transportation for all. These measures were selected based on our analysis in this Plan and data that we expect to be consistently available.