New York State Department of Transportation - History

History

The history of the New York State Department of Transportation and its predecessors spans over two centuries:

  • In 1781, the Office of Surveyor General was reorganized from its colonial Dutch and English beginnings to survey lands that had been vested in the state during and following the Revolutionary war.
  • In 1810, the Erie Canal Commission was established to build the Erie Canal, and afterwards the canal commissioners oversaw maintenance and enlargement of the canals
  • In 1848, the Office of State Engineer and Surveyor succeeded the Surveyor General's Office.
  • In 1878, the Superintendent of Public Works took over the competences of the canal commissioners.
  • In 1907, the Public Service Commission assumed responsibility for the economic and safety regulation of privately operated transportation; railroad and bus safety inspection; and, approval for the installation of protection for or elimination of at-grade rail highway crossings.
  • In 1909, the New York State Department of Highways was established by the Highway Act.
  • In 1927, the Department of Public Works took over the competences of the State Engineer and Surveyor, unifying responsibility for highways, canals and public buildings,
  • In 1967, the New York State Department of Transportation was formed to deal with the state's complex transportation system, and absorbed among others the Department of Public Works.

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