Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that work has begun on two projects totaling nearly $42 million to restore the riding conditions and enhance safety along two key stretches of Interstates in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region: I-390 from Route 5&20 (Exit 10) in Avon to the Thruway (Exit 12) in Henrietta, and I-490 from South Landing Road in Brighton to Garnsey Road in Perinton. The corridors serve as links between Monroe County and Livingston County and Monroe County and Ontario County, respectively.

“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,” Governor Cuomo said. “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.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “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. 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 $9.7 million project along I-490 will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists between South Landing Road in the town of Brighton and Garnsey Road in the town of Perinton, near Bushnell’s Basin in Monroe County. The project began work to remove hazardous trees and brush earlier this spring, and paving is expected to begin this week. Construction will include improvements to drainage systems and traffic signals and the on and off ramps, as well as guiderail repairs. The paving work is expected to take place during the evening and overnight hours to accommodate a single lane of traffic. Some detours will be required for ramp work. 

The $32.2 million project along I-390 will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists between Route 5&20 in Avon (Livingston County) and I-90 in Henrietta (Monroe County). Preliminary work began the week of May 17 with paving along the northbound lanes expected to begin in late June. This work will require daily single-lane closures. Construction on the 10.5-mile stretch will include an overlay of the existing concrete pavement with asphalt to improve rideability and prevent further pavement deterioration. Most of the construction along the southbound lanes is expected to take place in 2022.

Congressman Joe Morelle said, “I-490 and I-390 are key roadways that connect residents to all that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer and their upkeep is imperative to the vitality of our communities. I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for their continued commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers and for making this critical investment that will enhance the quality of life for residents, improve conditions for travelers, and uplift our regional economy.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “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 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 for the state department of transportation and commissioner Dominguez for their continued efforts to provide a safe and efficient transportation system in New York.”

Senator Samra Brouk said, “Investing in our transportation system improves the quality of life in a community by improving mobility, safety and access for community members and helping to attract and retain businesses. I am proud of the strides we are making in New York State to make infrastructure investments in the Greater Rochester community to help families, workers, and businesses in this region thrive.”

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The repairs to interstates across the Finger Lakes, including in Greater Rochester, are critical upgrades for our commuters and travelers in our region. It is important that we ensure our roads are ready as the state reopens.  We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Department of Transportation as we recover from the COVID19 pandemic.”

Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “It is critical that the state continue to make investments in infrastructure repair and improvement.  These projects will help maintain the safety and reliability of our roads for both residents and visitors and will support our local economy.  I look forward to the completion of these projects and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure funding is in place for similar projects throughout our region.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “While the construction may have caused temporary inconvenience, now completed, these projects will replace aging infrastructure with a new structures that will be optimized for the current expressway and serve the families of Henrietta and Monroe County for generations to come.”

Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford said, “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. Repaving our highways will also facilitate critical economic activity throughout our region, and ensure uninterrupted flow of goods and services to our communities.”

Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “I am grateful for the NYS Department of Transportation’s work in our region, which will undoubtedly help us build back better following the pandemic. Improvements to our roads and infrastructure are a critical component to supporting the economic development and recovery in the Finger Lakes region and across the state. My thanks to Commissioner Dominguez and team for all their efforts”

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. NYSDOT is working to minimize impacts to traffic during construction, though the traveling public should expect minor delays during paving operations and build additional travel time into their schedules.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTRochester. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.  

Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.