Tag: highway

Construction season begins on I-390, I-490

Work has begun on two major roadway projects in the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions that total nearly $42 million.

Construction began on a 10.5-mile stretch of I-390 between Avon and Henrietta in mid-May, with paving along the northbound lanes expected to begin in late June. The $32.2 million project will require daily single-lane closures and will include an overlay of the existing concrete pavement to prevent further deterioration. Most of the construction along the southbound lanes is expected to take place in 2022.

“All across the state we are working to rebuild our infrastructure to meet the needs of a 21st-century economy and these investments in Rochester area interstates will help improve connectivity, enhance safety and promote economic growth for the region,” said state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez in a statement. “DOT looks forward to hitting the ground running with these projects that will no doubt benefit the hundreds of thousands of daily motorists along these important corridors.”

The second project will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists between South Landing Road in Brighton and Garnsey Road in Perinton along I-490. The $9.7 million project began with work to remove hazardous trees and brush this spring and paving is expected to begin this week. The paving work is expected to take place during the evening and overnight hours to accommodate a single lane of traffic. Some detours are expected.

“Projects like the repaving of key interstates in the Finger Lakes Region are just an example of the great state of New York committing to building a better future,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Residents of the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions will find great benefits in the repaving of these key interstates. I am so appreciative of the state Department of Transportation for their continued efforts to provide a safe and efficient transportation system in New York.”

The I-490 project is expected to be completed in late 2021, while the I-390 project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

“Today marks an important step in the right direction to ensure the safety and quality of transportation for hundreds of thousands of residents in my district and neighboring districts,” said Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford, whose district covers some of Monroe County. “Repaving our highways will also facilitate critical economic activity throughout our region and ensure uninterrupted flow of goods and services to our communities.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Federal funding available to improve traffic safety

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is making nearly $30 million available to improve traffic safety in New York. The highway safety grant program will provide funds to local, state and not-for-profit agencies for projects that improve traffic safety and reduce deaths and serious injuries due to crashes.

The grants support enforcement initiatives, public education and information, research, traffic records, child passenger safety and community awareness projects.

“New York continues to lead the nation in highway safety initiatives, protecting motorists, passengers and pedestrians through strategic and innovative programs,” said Mark Schroeder, state Department of Motor Vehicles commissioner and GTSC chairman. “This funding will continue to advance our efforts by supporting unique and effective education and enforcement initiatives designed to save lives and keep New York’s roadways as safe as possible.”

The funding is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the GTSC. Last year, $32.6 million was awarded to 550 projects that focused on three types of drive safety initiatives including $28.3 million for highway safety grants, $2.4 million for police traffic services and $1.9 million for child passenger safety.

The Finger Lakes region was awarded more than $636,000 in grant funding through the program last year. In 2018, the total number of crash fatalities statewide last year was the lowest on record.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer