Rochester’s Access 390 Project named 2017 Project of the Year

Rochester’s Access 390 Project in Brighton has earned statewide accolades. The $70 million state Department of Transportation project was honored this week as 2017 Project of the Year from the American Public Works Association New York State Chapter.

The project—which was identified in 2011 as a priority by the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council—was comprised of a series of five projects that helped modernize the Interstate 390 and Routes 15 and 15A interchanges in the town of Brighton. The project also included improvements on adjacent roadways, including Kendrick, East River, West Henrietta and East Henrietta Roads.

“Thanks to the investments made and the support of Gov. Cuomo, Access 390 has helped connect more people to essential businesses and universities in Rochester,” Acting DOT Commissioner Paul Karas said. “Being named Project of the Year is a testament to the hard work of our staff in the Finger Lakes Region and the people who came together to make the project work. NYSDOT will continue to build on this success in an effort to improve safety and access for everyone who depends on us every day.”

Nearly 30,000 motorists travel the Access 390 roadways daily, officials noted, and the project has helped improve access for local destinations such as Monroe Community College, CityGate, the University of Rochester and Monroe Community Hospital. The project was started in 2012 and was completed last November.

“I-390 is an important commuter route for so many Monroe County residents, providing access to many of our area’s largest employers, universities and colleges, health care facilities and retail corridors,” state Sen. Joseph Robach, R-Greece, said in a statement. “In receiving the American Public Works Association New York State Chapter’s 2017 Project of the Year Award, it shows the importance of this investment that improved driving safety for residents and visitors of Monroe County, while upgrading our region’s transportation infrastructure.”

Work on the project also included the addition of a modern roundabout at East River and Kendrick roads, along with paving improvements and upgraded markings, signs and guide rail. More than a dozen new LED high mast lights were installed along the highway system.

“The City of Rochester is honored, but not surprised, that Access 390 has been recognized. This multifaceted project is a perfect example of how infrastructure investments can improve daily life and stimulate jobs and economic growth,” Mayor Lovely Warren said. “This project has improved safety, aesthetics and access to a vital corridor of our city, making it easier for residents and visitors alike to get to jobs and shops at College Town and CityGate, as well as to important employers like the University of Rochester and Monroe Community College.”

Warren added that Access 390 was a “welcome boost” to the region’s efforts to create more jobs, safe neighborhoods and better educational opportunities for residents.

The APWA award was presented at the New York Chapter Conference and Awards Banquet in Buffalo April 12. DOT Regional Director Kevin Bush accepted the award on the DOT’s behalf.

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