Governor Cuomo Announces Completion of Mount Read Boulevard Improvement Project in the City of Rochester

Press Release

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that major construction has been completed on a project that rehabilitated and repurposed a one-mile stretch of Mount Read Boulevard in the City of Rochester, improving mobility and enhancing safety along a key commercial corridor on the city's west side. The project transformed the boulevard between Buffalo Road (State Route 33) and Lyell Avenue (State Route 31) by resurfacing the pavement and implementing what's known as a "road diet" to reduce the number of travel lanes and add a center-turning lane. A new roundabout was also added at the intersection with Buffalo Road to further ease travel and enhance safety.

"Even in the face of a global pandemic, we are continuing to rebuild our infrastructure to meet the needs of the 21st Century," Governor Cuomo said. "This project on Mount Read Boulevard, an important travel corridor in the City of Rochester, will enhance safety and mobility for all commuters while helping to further revitalize the local economy and move the Finger Lakes forward."

Mount Read Boulevard serves as a vital conduit for commuters and commercial traffic in Monroe County. It is located within four miles of the Greater Rochester International Airport and just east of the interchange between Interstate 390 and Interstate 490.

The $7.7 million project began in April 2019 and included the implementation of a new traffic pattern that reduced the number of travel lanes on Mount Read Boulevard from three in each direction to two in each direction. A concrete median was removed to make room for a center turning lane and additional shoulder space was added. Sidewalks, ramps, traffic signals, signage and pavement markings were also added or upgraded to further enhance safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists alike.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "New York State is reimagining and rebuilding its transportation infrastructure to meet the needs of the 21st Century. The transformation of Mount Read Boulevard builds on the great progress we've made investing in transportation in the Rochester area in recent years and will help keep goods and people moving safely and efficiently through the region for many years to come."

A significant milestone was reached in August 2019, when the new roundabout opened at the intersection of Mount Read Boulevard and Buffalo Road, replacing an outdated signalized traffic circle with a modern roundabout featuring concrete pavement, upgraded curbing, striping and signage. Roundabouts allow for a smoother flow of traffic and are proven in reducing the severity of crashes in an intersection.

Congressman Joe Morelle said, "Mount Read Boulevard is a key roadway that connects many communities in Monroe County, and the completion of this project will help streamline travel for residents and commuters alike. Improving our roads not only enhances safety for drivers but is a proven investment to support small businesses and uplift our local economies. I am grateful to the Governor Cuomo for his continued support to address critical infrastructure projects in our community and improve the lives of Monroe County's residents."

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "If you've driven down Mount Read recently, you know these upgrades help our citizens commute in a safer and more efficient manner. We need more transit investments like these for our community, especially on the west side."

Assemblyman Demond Meeks said, "I am pleased to see the successful completion of the Mount Read Boulevard improvement project in the City of Rochester. These projects show our potential to build back equitably, improve our aging infrastructure, and create jobs for local community members."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "Mount Read Boulevard is a vital link between our highway system here in Monroe County and the northern part of Greece, almost to the shore of Lake Ontario. These various upgrades will greatly improve the commute of the hundreds of Monroe County residents who travel this road daily. I am extremely appreciative of the efforts taken by Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Transportation to ensure that Rochesterians and Monroe County residents have the most efficient system of transportation as possible."

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren said, "This project creates a new roundabout and enhances public safety in our City. It's partnerships like this one with Governor Cuomo and our state officials that advance our work to create more jobs, safer more vibrant neighborhoods and greater educational opportunities, as we work towards achieving equity for all of our residents."

NYSDOT has additional information online regarding roundabouts, as well as downloadable brochures, at https://www.dot.ny.gov/main/roundabouts.

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.

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