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COLONIE, NY (NEWS10) – Motorists on one of the Capital Region’s busiest roads probably have no idea they are walking through a secret underpass that is literally cemented in New York history . While we can’t tell exactly where the tunnel is, we can tell you why it exists.
“This stone here is from Lucas Witbeck,” said Jill Witbeck Knapp, pointing to a fragmented gravestone.
Lucas Witbeck is one of the ancestors of Jill Witbeck Knapp. He is buried in the Witbeck family cemetery. Generations have lived, died and were buried in what was once a large family estate.
“It’s fascinating to be here with the rich history she has had,†adds Jill. “It’s quite fascinating that he was saved. But he’s also surrounded by most of what happened to Colony City.
What “happened” were the suburbs. In the early 1980s, the farm was sold to the state, paving the way for Alternate Route 7, connecting I-787 to the Northway.
Fortunately, the cemetery has been preserved, but it has become landlocked. It was cut off from all access by ramps and exits for the Northway and Highway 9. After some pressure from the city, the Department of Transportation dug deep and found a solution – an underground tunnel.
Colony Town historian Kevin Franklin said the tunnel was built by the New York State Department of Transportation for the specific purpose of gaining access to Witbeck Cemetery. As you walk through the tunnel, you can hear cars passing overhead on alternate route 7. The tunnel emerges near the cemetery.
“You can hear the traffic above us. It’s a safe walk as long as you don’t hold your head too high, â€he says. “Thousands of vehicles pass over this tunnel every day and hardly anyone knows it is here.”
In the cemetery, among the overturned tombstones are the founders of the city. Three are veterans of the War of Independence.
The land still belongs to the Witbeck family but its maintenance is problematic due to its location. This is where Chris White comes in. Chris is a volunteer, who is widely known for his work in restoring and maintaining old cemeteries. This is one of his many current pet projects.
“It’s the church for me. They are people, just like you and me. And unless somebody does a family tree, these people who’ve been gone for over 200 years, they’re all lost in time, â€Chris says.
That’s why he doesn’t mind walking through sometimes dark and cramped spaces to help preserve what time and the elements could possibly erase.
“If these people could talk, I imagine they would be happy if you were here,†Anya said.
“I would love to hear them say thank you. And maybe one day I can meet them, â€says Chris.
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