State Department of Transportation Formally Dedicates Bridge in Rensselaer County in Memory of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt

State Department of Transportation Formally Dedicates Bridge in Rensselaer County in Memory of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt

Killed in a Work Zone Crash in 2025, Robert Bornt Devoted his Life to his Family, his Community and Public Service

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today officially dedicated the bridge carrying State Route 2 over State Route 22 the Town of Petersburgh, Rensselaer County, in honor of fallen NYSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt. During a ceremony Thursday, signs were unveiled in both directions along State Route 22 declaring "Bridge Dedicated to Robert Bornt" in tribute to this beloved member of NYSDOT's Capital Region team who was fatally injured in a work zone crash last year. The bridge is located just a few miles from the NYSDOT residency where Bornt worked and close to the home community that he selflessly served for many years.

"Robert Bornt's death was a tragedy that took the life of a man who devoted his entire life in service to others. As a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he served his family and as a highway maintenance supervisor for DOT and Chief of the Hoosick Falls Fire Department, he worked to keep the public and his community safe - always working to help others," said Commissioner Dominguez said. "Dedicating this bridge in his name is a fitting tribute to honor him and all that he did for so many people. His death was an avoidable tragedy, that unfortunately highlights the dangers that highway maintenance workers face every single day. We are forever grateful for Robert's service and sacrifice."

Bornt was a 22-year veteran of NYSDOT and a 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. In addition to being a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a leader, a supervisor, a colleague, and a friend to many.

On May 29, 2025, he 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.

Earlier this summer, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that dedicated the State Route 22 bridge in Bornt's honor. The dedication ceremony, held a short distance away at the Petersburgh Baptist Church, brought together Commissioner Dominguez, elected officials, members of the NYSDOT family, and Robert's friends and family to celebrate and honor Robert's life and the legacy he leaves behind.

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

State Senator Jacob Ashby said, "Robert Bornt was a labor leader who fought for safe worksites, a fire chief who put his life on the line for his neighbors and a dedicated public servant who looked out for the men and women of the Department of Transportation. That his life was cut so short is a tragedy that's still difficult to accept. He was an extraordinary person. Robert is missed deeply by the colleagues he mentored and the athletes he coached. His loving family remains in our prayers. I was honored to work with my partners in government to establish this lasting tribute for Robert's legacy and for his loved ones."

Assemblymember Scott Bendett said, "Robert Bornt devoted his life to looking out for others, keeping our roads safe through his work with DOT and protecting his neighbors as Hoosick Falls fire chief. Today's unveiling ensures his name and legacy remain part of the community he served so faithfully. I am honored to join his family, friends, and colleagues for this dedication, and I hope this sign reminds everyone who passes it of Robert's service and our responsibility to protect those working along our roads."

CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan said, "Robert dedicated 22 years to serving the people of New York and was a leader in his workplace and his community. It is fitting that this bridge will now carry his name and serve as a lasting reminder of the life he dedicated to helping others. While we are proud to see Robert's life and service honored, we cannot lose sight of the tragedy that brought us here. Every worker deserves to be able to do their job and return home safely at the end of the day. CSEA will continue advocating for stronger protections for workers and greater accountability for those who drive recklessly in work zones."

Public Employees Federation President Wayne Spence said, "The more than 62,000 members of the New York State Public Employees Federation stand with our fallen union brother NYSDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt and his family on the solemn occasion of dedicating State Route 22 in his memory. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in signing the legislation dedicating Route 22 in Robert Bornt's honor and for fighting for the law to expand the use of cameras in work zones in this year's state budget. This somber occasion highlights the need to recognize and protect the thousands of dedicated DOT employees and other public servants who put their lives at risk every day to serve the residents of this state. We must all work collectively to encourage motorists to pay attention and slow down in roadway work zones."

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.

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