Bridge in Rensselaer County to be Dedicated to Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, Thanks to Legislation Signed by Governor Hochul

Bridge in Rensselaer County to be Dedicated to Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, Thanks to Legislation Signed by Governor Hochul

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez expressed her appreciation to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing legislation to dedicate a bridge in Rensselaer County in honor of the memory of NYSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who was killed in a work zone crash in May of 2025. The bridge, located on State Route 2 crossing over State Route 22 in the Town of Petersburg, Rensselaer County, will be dedicated to Bornt in recognition of his selfless service to his community and the State of New York. A formal dedication ceremony officially renaming the bridge will take place in the near future.

"Robert Bornt was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, a pillar of his community, and a devoted member of the NYSDOT family," said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Commissioner Dominguez. "Robert's death was a tragedy, and it highlights the dangers that highway maintenance workers face every single day. Dedicating this bridge to Robert Bornt is a fitting tribute to a man who worked every day of his life in service to his community and the State of New York. My sincere thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and members of the New York State legislature for honoring Robert's life and his family in such a touching and meaningful way."

On May 29, 2025, Robert Bornt was leading a construction crew on a project on State Route 7 in Pittstown, when a vehicle crossed over into a designated work zone and struck him. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries a day later. Bornt was a 22-year veteran of NYSDOT, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He was a true pillar of the Hoosick Falls community, serving as the Hoosick Falls Fire Chief and as a member of the Rescue Squad. In addition, he was a substitute school bus driver and the CSEA regional union president. He was a leader, a supervisor, a colleague, and a friend to many.

The State Department of Transportation has lost 59 workers in the line of duty over the course of its history. In 2025, there were 366 work zone crashes on NYSDOT-owned roads that resulted in 58 injuries and two fatalities. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change, speeding, not moving over for disabled or emergency vehicles, or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of these crashes.

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, "Governor Hochul continues to demonstrate how strong a supporter she is for our hard-working CSEA NYS DOT members through the work zone speed enforcement program. We stand solidly with her in her efforts to expand this program to offer even more protection. We also join her in remembering Robert Bornt through dedicating the State Route 2 crossing over State Route 22 in the Town of Petersburg in his memory."

Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, "The tragic death of Robert Bornt was a reminder to all New Yorkers to slow down in work zones. This bridge is a fitting tribute to his life of service to the people of Hoosick Falls and the State of New York. PEF was proud to join our fellow unions to support the expansion of the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program to limit future injuries and fatalities on New York's roads. The health and safety of all state workers is a union priority."

About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

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