Two Interstate Projects Commence in New York’s Finger Lakes Region
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced that work has begun on two interstate projects in the Finger Lakes region.
Named for its long, narrow lakes, the region lies primarily between Rochester and Syracuse. The projects are taking place along portions of interstates 390 and 490. These routes are major corridors for Monroe County, which encompasses Rochester.
I-390 is a north-south route that runs from Rochester to the juncture with I-86 in Avoca. I-490 is an auxiliary interstate, departing I-90 in Victor and rejoining the route in Le Roy. It passes through downtown Rochester.
Cuomo
Specifically, the projects are taking place on the stretch of I-390 between Avon and Henrietta and the portion of I-490 between Brighton and Perinton.
“The I-390 and I-490 corridors are critical to the Finger Lakes’ transportation network, and these resurfacing projects will make the roads safer and more reliable as economic activity across New York continues to pick up again,” Cuomo said. “Building back better means continuing to invest in modernizing and strengthening our roads so that regional economies across the state will have the necessary infrastructure to stay competitive.”
The project on I-490, which has a price tag of $9.7 million, is meant to provide a smoother surface for motorists. Crews removed hazardous trees and brush earlier this spring, and paving is scheduled to begin in early June. Besides paving, work will involve improvements to drainage systems, traffic signals and ramps, as well as guide rail repairs.
Two projects totaling nearly $42 million seeks to restore the' riding conditions' & enhance safety along two key stretches of #interstates in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. #transportation #infrastructure #highway @aashtospeaks @NYSDOT @NYGovCuomo https://t.co/s0ey3eh6g8 pic.twitter.com/dAh08W8NB5 — Sean Kilcarr (@AASHTOsean) June 2, 2021
Paving will take place during evening and overnight hours, and a single lane of traffic will be accommodated. The I-490 project is expected to be completed late this year.
The $32.2 million project along I-390 will involve an overlay of the existing concrete with asphalt to improve the riding surface and prevent pavement deterioration. Preliminary work began the week of May 17, and paving along the northbound lanes is slated to start in late June. This work will involve daily single-lane closures. The majority of the construction along the southbound lanes will take place in 2022.
“Repaving our highways will facilitate critical economic activity throughout our region, and ensure uninterrupted flow of goods and services to our communities,” said Jennifer Lunsford (D-Webster), a member of the New York State Assembly.
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New York transportation officials advised the public to expect minor delays during paving operations and plan additional travel time into their schedules. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Also, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone can result in the suspension of a person’s driver license.
The projects complement Finger Lakes Forward, the comprehensive plan to generate economic growth and community development in the region.
“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,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said. “Residents of the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regions will find great benefits in the repaving of these key interstates.”
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