U.S. Senator Charles Schumer added his voice this week to the growing chorus of support for the inclusion of a pedestrian walkway on the Livingston Avenue Bridge, which spans the Hudson River to connect Albany and Rensselaer.

Sen. Chuck Schumer made his announcement with the Livingston Ave Bridge as the backdrop.Said New York's senior senator: "I'm urging everyone from CSX (Railroad) to Amtrak to NYSDOT to climb aboard with this plan, so that every design going forward will link up the biking and walking paths on both sides of the scenic Hudson."

The Livingston Avenue Railroad Bridge is slated to be completely reconstructed in 2017 as part of New York State's High Speed Rail initiative. The bridge's replacement is undergoing design by the New York State Department of Transportation.

For over a century a walkway on the bridge made it possible to safely cross the Hudson River, but the walkway has been closed because of its deteriorating condition.

NYLCV and other organizations believe the reconstruction of the bridge's existing walkway should be a priority for the new design.

If you'd like to voice your support, please be sure to sign this petition. You can also keep close tabs by liking the Facebook cause.