Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that major construction is complete on a $49 million project that reconstructed an approximately one-mile stretch of U.S. Route 20 (Transit Road) in the towns of West Seneca, Elma and Orchard Park in Erie County. The New York State Department of Transportation's project, which was completed on budget and ahead of schedule, replaced the nearly 100-year-old bridge carrying the roadway over Cazenovia Creek, added new travel lanes and made other improvements to enhance safety and reduce congestion along a vital corridor for travelers heading to and from Buffalo Bills games and other popular destinations in southern Erie County. The corridor handles more than 25,000 vehicles a day. The bridge will be fully open in time for tomorrow's morning commute.

"As a Western New York native and a diehard Buffalo Bills fan, I know the critical importance of Transit Road and the all-too-frequent traffic tie-ups that have long occurred on this road - especially on game days," Governor Hochul said. "By completing this project, we have fully modernized this vital important corridor to reduce bottlenecks and provide travelers, especially Bills fans, with smoother rides and fewer headaches as they head to their destinations."

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "This project exemplifies Governor Hochul's commitment to public safety and her determination to improve quality of life for all New Yorkers. It has transformed a heavily traveled Southtowns highway to enhance safety and reduce congestion, making it easier for people and goods to get where they need to go without needless delays."

The project reconstructed an approximately one-mile stretch of U.S. Route 20 between Leydecker Road and Seneca Street (State Route 16), replacing the original that featured one travel lane in each direction and a center turning lane with a five-lane configuration featuring two travel lanes in each direction to greatly improve traffic flow. New drainage infrastructure, signage and a new traffic signal to improve safety and traffic operations along the corridor.

Additionally, the bridge carrying the roadway over Cazenovia Creek, which was constructed in 1929, was replaced with a steel girder bridge featuring three piers and a concrete deck. The design also maintains some squared-stone architectural features of the original bridge to maintain the structure's aesthetic appeal while also incorporating modern infrastructure and safety improvements. A 36-inch water transmission main that was adjacent to the bridge was also replaced to ensure reliable water service for residents in Southern Erie County.

Although major construction has been completed, finishing work, including additional paving and landscaping, will be taking place during the coming weeks. U.S. Route 20 connects communities throughout the Southtowns and serves residents traveling to work, businesses, shopping and other daily destinations. The route also carries substantial traffic during major regional events, including Buffalo Bills games and the Erie County Fair, making reliable access important to residents, visitors and local businesses.

Senator Charles Schumer said, "The Route 20 bridge over Cazenovia Creek is a critical corridor connecting Buffalo communities. I was proud to deliver millions from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to build a new bridge with two new lanes for vehicles, as well as bicycle lanes and safer sidewalks, making it easier for people across Erie County to get to Bills games and more. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's work putting federal dollars to good use in Western New York and will continue fighting for the federal investments New Yorkers need to improve our infrastructure and create jobs."

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Investing in infrastructure is critical to connect communities, boost our economy, and improve quality of life in New York. This project is a win for Erie County and all of Western New York, giving drivers a safer, more reliable route to get to work, run errands, or cheer on the Bills. I will continue fighting in the Senate to deliver more federal dollars to modernize New York's aging roads and bridges."

Representative Tim Kennedy said, "Transit Road is a critical corridor for Western New Yorkers, connecting our communities to local businesses, jobs, and destinations throughout the Southtowns - including Highmark Stadium for Bills gamedays. Replacing and modernizing Route 20's infrastructure makes it safer and more reliable for the thousands of people who depend on it every day. Investments like this strengthen our communities, improve daily commutes and create new economic opportunities."

Assemblyman Pat Burke said, "This corridor, which serves as a critical gateway to West Seneca and Orchard Park, has long been in need of traffic safety improvements. These upgrades will improve safety and mobility for the thousands of motorists who travel this route every day, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for investments along this important stretch of roadway."

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, "Transit Road is one of the busiest corridors in southern Erie County, connecting thousands of residents and visitors to work, local businesses and major destinations like Highmark Stadium and the Erie County Fairgrounds. These improvements will help reduce congestion, improve safety and make travel easier along a roadway that carries more than 25,000 vehicles each day. I want to thank Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation for their continued investment in Erie County's infrastructure."

About the Department of Transportation

It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

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