November 1, 2019
From Governor Andrew Cuomo:
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced major construction is complete on nearly $15 million in transportation infrastructure investments, which include the replacement of two bridges on State Route 415 in Steuben County; a new roundabout at the intersection of Route 415 and Route 53 in Bath; and bridge rehabilitation projects on I-390 over County Route 90 in the town of Wayland and State Route 248 over Bennett’s Creek in the town of Greenwood. These investments are aimed at enhancing safety and mobility along the Interstate 390 and Interstate 86 corridor. At its southern-most point, I-390 links directly to I-86, the Southern Tier’s main transportation corridor for commerce and tourism.
“We’re continuing to build upon the success the region’s seen in recent years by modernizing our state’s transportation system for economic competitiveness in the 21st century,” Governor Cuomo said. “New York is investing in its infrastructure like no other state in the nation, and these critical infrastructure projects will go great lengths to keep the Southern Tier Soaring.”
The new steel multi-girder bridge carrying Route 415 over the Cohocton River in Bath opened to traffic this week and connects to a modern concrete roundabout with three points of entry at the nearby intersection of Route 415 and Route 53.
A roundabout is a circular intersection without traffic signals, engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. Traffic within the roundabout travels counterclockwise at a low speed and traffic approaching the roundabout must yield to traffic within the roundabout. Roundabouts are becoming more common across the state as they are effective and proven to reduce the severity of crashes compared to a standard intersection.
The Route 415 Bridge over the Cohocton River was constructed parallel to the existing two-lane truss, which was built in 1932 and is set to be demolished. The new bridge also lies at a higher elevation than the existing bridge to mitigate the potential for flooding and ice jams in the river.
In addition to demolition of the former bridge, additional work at the Cohocton River site will include the installation of new landscaping and the construction of a new fishing access site featuring parking that is expected to be completed and open to the public next summer.
The new steel multi-girder bridge carrying Route 415 over Salmon Creek in Avoca opened to traffic in August, replacing an existing bridge that was constructed in 1931.
Bridge rehabilitation work on the I-390 bridges in Wayland and State Route 248 over Bennett’s Creek in Greenwood was also recently completed. Work at the I-390 site began last year to replace the decks and install new railings and included repaving of a 5.5 mile stretch of I-390 between the Livingston County line and the Village of Wayland.
The rehabilitation work on the Route 248 bridge over Bennett’s Creek included the installation of a new polymer concrete surface.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Cuomo and the State Department of Transportation are making smart investments into our transportation infrastructure across the state, especially in locations that are key to the success of the Southern Tier’s economy. The newly replaced and renovated bridges in Steuben County will make it easier to navigate for the thousands of cars, commercial vehicles and farm equipment that travel this area daily.”
Senator Tom O’Mara said, “The completion of these critical infrastructure projects in Steuben County is great news for local communities and economies, motorists, and taxpayers. State support for local roads and bridges is a wise investment and we must continue to support a strong, multi-year strategy to address local, regional, and statewide transportation infrastructure. Overall it’s an investment in economic growth, job creation, and property tax relief.”
Assembly Member Phil Palmesano said, “We appreciate these ongoing state investments in local roads and bridges in Steuben County and across the Southern Tier region. It’s great news that these specific projects have been completed to enhance motorist safety, improve the quality of local communities, and strengthen the overall regional economy. I look forward to continue focusing on the overriding importance of state investment in local transportation infrastructure.”
Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler said, “Steuben County is very appreciative of New York State’s investment in our transportation infrastructure. NYDOT has done an excellent job on these projects and they will be a great benefit to our transportation system for years to come.”
Steuben County Legislative Chair Joseph Hauryski said, “We appreciate the investment being made in improving our bridges and highways in Steuben County, as it is an important part of economic development in the county.”
