State officials Monday announced the completion of more than $27 million in roadway enhancement projects along several key Western New York transportation corridors.
The projects feature improved pavement conditions, provide additional pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, upgrade drainage, and add targeted safety improvements along South Transit Road (State Route 78) in Erie and Niagara counties, Campbell Boulevard (State Route 270) and North French Road in the Town of Amherst, and the LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and Interstate 190 in Niagara Falls. Additionally, a new roundabout was set to open Monday on Armor Duells Road (State Route 952J), in the Town of Orchard Park.
“New Yorkers expect and deserve a robust transportation network that is safe, reliable and built to meet the needs of growing communities, and we are making the investments to deliver it,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Across Western New York, we are investing in infrastructure to enhance public safety, strengthen the economy and connect communities. These investments are about more than better roads – they are about making it easier for people to get to work, get their kids to school and get home safely every day.”
The local safety improvement projects include:
South Transit Road (State Route 78)
The $8.9 million highway rehabilitation project improved approximately 20 lane miles of South Transit Road in Niagara County, with a small portion extending into Erie County, from the Lockport city line at Dorchester Road to the Millersport Highway (State Route 263) ramps in the Town of Amherst. The project included milling and resurfacing the roadway, installation of new pavement markings, replacement of corridor signs, and repairs and replacement of drainage structures, including culverts. Crews also reconstructed sidewalks and installed a new ADA-compliant curb ramp along the eastern side of South Transit Street in front of Children’s Memorial Park between Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Drive in the City of Lockport.
South Transit Street serves as an important connection between the City of Lockport, Niagara County’s seat, and Erie County, supporting daily travel for residents, commuters, commercial traffic, and visitors throughout the region.
LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and Interstate 190
The $8.7 million LaSalle Expressway and Interstate 190 paving project restored approximately 22 lane miles of pavement in Niagara Falls. Work included milling and resurfacing 15 lane miles of the LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and seven lane miles of Interstate 190 between Witmer Road (State Route 31) and Upper Mountain Road, providing a smoother, safer ride for motorists.
These highways provide critical connections to the Niagara Scenic Parkway, Niagara Falls State Park, The Rainbow Bridge, and The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, serving residents while supporting millions of visitors who travel to Niagara Falls each year. The improvements will enhance travel along one of New York State’s most important tourism corridors.
New York State Department of Transportation officials say the DOT has undertaken more than 180 paving projects across the state. These projects, which total almost 2,150 lane miles, are in addition to the paving initiatives already scheduled as part of NYSDOT’s core programs and taken together, represent the most ambitious annual road resurfacing agenda ever put forward by NYSDOT.