Eric Foster - Chief Engineer

Eric Foster joined the Bridge Authority as Chief Engineer in November 2024. He is an accomplished civil engineer with over three decades of dedicated experience in transportation infrastructure management. He is responsible for maintaining our bridges and infrastructure in good condition for their long-term safety and stability. Eric previously served as the Regional Structures Engineer at the New York State Department of Transportation -Hudson Valley Region. In that role, he oversaw the planning, development, and delivery of critical capital program projects, which encompass the inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of bridges, culverts, and overhead sign structures.

Throughout his tenure at NYS DOT, Eric built a reputation as a strategic manager and trusted team leader. He excels in coordinating State forces and Consulting teams to achieve the high standards necessary for public safety. His responsibilities included managing construction support, reviewing and approving shop drawings, responding to public inquiries on safety concerns, and formulating strategic recommendations for regional management on infrastructure issues.

Additionally, Eric chaired the Regional Structures Asset Management team, guiding project prioritization, funding allocation, and resource planning to address regional needs and maintain infrastructure resilience. These roles contributed to his deep knowledge of capital project management, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance.

Eric earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cooper Union in New York. A licensed Professional Engineer since 1995, Eric combines technical expertise with strong leadership and communication skills, making him a vital contributor to the transportation infrastructure management mission of maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure.