The New York State Department of Transportation and President Joel Seligman today announced the completion of a $14.8 million project to improve safety and mobility along Interstate 390 in the town of Brighton and city of Rochester, Monroe County. The project — the second phase of the four phase, $70 million Access 390 initiative — sets the stage for major economic development projects, including expansion at the University, that will create new jobs and boost the region’s profile.
The project, which got underway in June 2013, widened the Kendrick Road bridge over I-390 to provide dedicated turn lanes and constructed a new entrance ramp from Kendrick Road to I-390 north. This new connection to I-390, along with the newly built direct access from E. River Road, will help improve safety, reduce congestion and provide the access necessary for the University to expand. The ramp opens today at 9 a.m.
“Governor Cuomo’s leadership is making projects like this one possible all across New York State,” New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald said. “Working in partnership with the University of Rochester, we’ve made it safer and easier for commuters to access the businesses and educational institutions in this area. We look forward to continuing to work with the University and our local partners to enhance mobility, create jobs and grown the regional economy through this series of important Access 390 transportation projects.”
“We want to thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in moving this project forward and our State Delegation and Commissioner McDonald for their incredible partnership and support,” said FLREDC Co-Chairs, President Joel Seligman and Wegmans Food Market CEO Danny Wegman. “The opening of the Kendrick Road ramp marks a critical milestone for the region’s highest infrastructure priority. The I-390/Kendrick Road Interchange Project will improve safety, expand capacity, and lead to thousands of new jobs and economic growth in the community, particularly at the University of Rochester, Monroe Community College, and Rochester Institute of Technology campuses. This project already has created more than 800 construction jobs and generated $450 million in private development.”
NYSDOT Rochester Regional Director Kevin Bush said, “It’s been exciting to watch this project evolve from one a recommendation to improve safety and ease travel in this area, into a signature project that has been supported by so many in the community. I commend all the staff who worked on this project since its inception. It’s been a pleasure to coordinate with our local leaders and the Federal Highway Administration.
The Kendrick Road improvements were federally funded along with Governor Cuomo’s innovative NY Works initiative to advance critical repairs and upgrades to the transportation system across New York State. The work was progressed as a design-build project, allowing for design and construction services to be combined into a single contract to help expedite repair work to vital infrastructure and save taxpayer money. The design and construction contractors for the project are Crane Hogan Structural Systems, Inc. of Spencerport, Monroe County and T.Y. Lin International of Rochester. Construction inspections services were provided by Hunt Engineers, of Rochester.
Representative Louise Slaughter said, “I was proud to advocate for this project at the federal level and I look forward to seeing its completion,” Rep. Slaughter said. “This ramp will give city residents better access to the thruway, and will be a major relief for employees commuting to and from the University of Rochester – the largest employer in our county.”
This project is the second of four construction projects aimed at improving access between I-390 and the adjacent roads, including Kendrick Road, East River Road, West Henrietta Road (Route 15) and East Henrietta Road (Route 15A).
The Access 390 Project commenced in the fall of 2012 with the $8.2 million first phase on the south side of I-390. It features a modern roundabout at Kendrick Road and East River Road, as well as a new entrance ramp from E. River Road providing direct access to I-390 south. The first phase was completed in September 2013.
State Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said: “The completion of the new entrance ramp from Kendrick Road to I-390 marks a major milestone for what is a significant infrastructure project for our region. By rebuilding the I-390 interchange, we are supporting the infrastructure needs of the community and laying the groundwork for major economic development projects that will create thousands of new jobs throughout Rochester. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for his commitment to funding the final phases of the interchange and I thank the University of Rochester and our many community partners who came together in support of this important project.”
State Senator Joe Robach said, “This is an important NYSDOT project for our region that will allow for safer and more convenient travel in our expanding academic and medical corridor. This project will benefit our entire community by providing easier access to the University of Rochester campus and Strong Memorial Hospital, two major employers and economic engines for the Rochester region.”
The third phase project, which is underway, will improve travel in the area of the Route 15 (West Henrietta Road) interchange with I-390. It includes the construction of a new loop ramp from Route 15 northbound to I-390 northbound. Work is scheduled to be complete by the fall of 2015.
State Assemblyman David Gantt said, “Thanks to the vision of Governor Cuomo, The New York State Department of Transportation, and the University of Rochester, this region has seen great economic growth through the Access 390 project. The addition of jobs to the area has helped to improve the quality of life for many working families.”
“Investing in infrastructure in the Rochester area will encourage job creation and economic development,” said Assemblymember Bronson. “I am proud to support this visionary project, and I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Cuomo and President Seligman to ensure that our area gets the 21st Century infrastructure that we need and deserve.”
The fourth and final contract will focus on improving travel in the area of the Route 15A (East Henrietta Road) interchange with I-390. This phase of the project will feature replacement of the East Henrietta Road bridge over I-390 and the Erie Canal. Construction is expected to begin in early 2015 and be completed in the spring of 2017.
“The new access from Kendrick Road to I-390 is another important step in opening one of our community’s fastest growing areas for business,” said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “This new infrastructure will certainly benefit vital local employers and projects like the Strong Memorial Hospital, the University of Rochester, College Town, the soon to be open Costco at CityGate, and all of the businesses in the area that help enhance our quality of life. I thank the FLREDC, the NYSDOT, and all partners involved for their contributions to this important project.”
Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said, “I want to add my thanks to everyone who has helped to bring this important project to come to fruition. The University of Rochester is not only our largest employer; it is a center of innovation and a key driver of our present and future economy. Increasing accessibility to their facilities is an important step in the University’s expansion plans.”
Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle said, “The completion of the Kendrick Road ramp and bridge project, and the entire Access 390 initiative, will help support the University of Rochester as it looks to bring new facilities and services to Brighton and the City of Rochester. The University continues to create new, high paying job opportunities, and it is important that we ensure safe transportation access to the campus. The Access 390 project will also help mitigate existing and projected increases in traffic volumes in Brighton, and will also include opportunities to enhance pedestrian and other active transportation access in the area. This is an example of State and local government working together with major regional institutions to benefit the entire community and I appreciate the leadership of Governor Cuomo and the Regional Economic Development Council in supporting this and other projects of great significance to Brighton and the Greater Rochester area.”
The Governor Cuomo’s Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) in 2011 identified the I-390 improvement project as a priority. I-390 is a gateway for significant growth in the community, including large projects planned by the University of Rochester, Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology, which will lead to new jobs and local economic growth.
At the University, plans call for an expansion of its campus, hospital and research facilities. The University is the largest employer in the Rochester area and the sixth largest employer in New York State. These improvements will help support the continued growth of the University and the surrounding area.
