RENSSELAER COUNTY, N.Y. — New York State Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who was fatally injured in a work zone crash last year, was recently honored with an official bridge dedication.
On May 29, 2025, 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, a news release said. He was airlifted to Albany Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries a day later, it added.
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, the release added. He also was a substitute school bus driver and the CSEA regional union president.
The dedication ceremony, held a short distance away at the Petersburgh Baptist Church, brought together NYS DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, elected officials, members of the New York State Department of Transportation Highway (NYSDOT), and friends and family to celebrate and honor Bornt’s life.
In addition to being a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a leader, a supervisor, a colleague, and a friend to many, the release said.
“Robert Bornt’s death was a tragedy that took the life of a man who devoted his entire life in service to others,” Dominguez said in the release. “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.”
During the ceremony, signs were unveiled in both directions along State Route 22 declaring “Bridge Dedicated to Robert Bornt.” The bridge is located just a few miles from the NYSDOT residency where Bornt worked and close to the home community that he served, the release said.
Earlier this summer, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that dedicated the State Route 22 bridge in Bornt’s honor.
Over the course of its history, NYSDOT has lost 59 workers in the line of duty, the release said. 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, the release added.
“Dedicating this bridge in his name is a fitting tribute to honor him and all that he did for so many people,” Dominguez said. “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.”
According to the release, NYSDOT’s mission is 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.
A dedication ceremony honoring New York State Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt brought together Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, elected officials, members of the New York State Department of Transportation Highway (NYSDOT), and friends and family to celebrate and honor Bornt’s life, Oct. 1, 2026. (Provided Photo)