Work on the Hudson River Crossing Park on an island at Lock 5 in the Hudson River is expected to start in the spring.

The 45-acre island is located on the Saratoga County side of the river in the towns of Northumberland and Saratoga.

State and federal grants totalling $475,000 have been secured by the town of Northumberland for the project.

Northumberland Supervisor Willard Peck said he wants to see construction started in the spring. Project designers say this is possible.

"We are working on detailed plans," said Michael Hale, RLA of Synthesis, LLP in Schenectady.

Hale, project manager, said his firm hopes to get all of the bid documents ready this winter so things are ready for the 2007 construction season.

The small island currently has some undeveloped trails on it.

The Hudson River Crossing Park Master Plan, created by Synthesis, includes developing a one-mile trail system, clearing brush and debris, a scenic overlook at the northern end of the island and a picnic area and pavilion on the southern end of the island.

The plan also calls for a boat dock and landing on the canal side of the island and an environmentally friendly children's play area.

Hale said the grant money will do much of the master plan work but not all of it. An environmental education center planned on the property and the rehabilitation of the long-closed Dix Bridge between Saratoga and Washington counties is not included in the 2007.

The Dix Bridge restoration, needed so that hikers, and bikers could use the span, is estimated to cost more than $2 million, Hale said.

The Stark's Knob historic site, on Route 4 just west of the island, may see some trail and parking improvements during the Hudson River Crossing Park project, Hale said. The whole project is based on "sustainable" or green technology using solar power and recycled products whenever possible, he said.

Currently, bids are being sought for an archaeological investigation of the island through River Street Planning and Design of Troy.

Margaret Irwin of River Street Planning and Design said the archaeological investigation is required prior to any site work being done on the island.

Peck said his goal is to see the first phase of the project completed in 2007.

Hale said the entire Hudson Crossing project is much larger than just improvements to the island. He said it includes access improvements to the Old Champlain Canal Towpath that extends along the Hudson's banks through Schuylerville and more public access and day use areas along the Hudson.