Governor Hochul Highlights More Than $27 Million in Roadway Safety Improvements Completed in Erie and Niagara Counties

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of more than $27 million in roadway enhancement projects along several key Western New York transportation corridors. These projects will deliver improved pavement conditions, provide additional pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, upgrade drainage, and add targeted safety improvements along South Transit Road (State Route 78) in Erie and Niagara counties, Campbell Boulevard (State Route 270) and North French Road in the Town of Amherst, and the LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and Interstate 190 in Niagara Falls. Additionally, a new roundabout is set to open today on Armor Duells Road (State Route 952J), in the Town of Orchard Park, Erie County, enhancing safety and improving traffic flow along this important roadway.

"New Yorkers expect and deserve a robust transportation network that is safe, reliable and built to meet the needs of growing communities, and we are making the investments to deliver it," Governor Hochul said. "Across Western New York, we are investing in infrastructure to enhance public safety, strengthen the economy and connect communities. These investments are about more than better roads - they are about making it easier for people to get to work, get their kids to school and get home safely every day."

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "From students headed to the University at Buffalo or fans headed to Buffalo Bills games or visitors traveling to Niagara Falls or commuters moving through and across Erie and Niagara counties, these roads are crucial to enhancing public safety and mobility as they keep our communities connected, moving people and enabling our economy to thrive. When we invest in transportation, we invest in our communities, making them accessible and safe for everyone - motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. And thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul's historic investment in New York's infrastructure, NYSDOT is delivering for communities, big and small, across Western New York."

The Safety Improvement Projects Included Are:

Armor Duells Road Roundabout

The $3.1 million project replaced the former four-way intersection and two-way stop at the Armor Duells Road (State Route 952J), Duerr Road and Murphy Road intersection in the Town of Orchard Park, with a modern roundabout that improves the movement of vehicles and reduces congestion at one of the area's key intersections. The project also included new pavement, sidewalks and drainage improvements, along with upgraded striping, signage, landscaping and lighting.

Armor Duells Road is an important connection between Orchard Park and Hamburg and carries significant traffic throughout the year. With the Buffalo Bills season underway, the improved intersection will also help accommodate increased traffic in the area on game days as fans travel to and from Highmark Stadium.

Roundabouts are engineered to maximize safety and minimize congestion. They are safer, more sustainable, and more efficient than traditional intersections. Crashes in roundabouts are less severe, resulting in fewer injuries and fatalities. Roundabouts also eliminate the need for electric-powered traffic signals. For tips on how to safely navigate a roundabout, check out this helpful instructional video.

South Transit Road (State Route 78)

The $8.9 million highway rehabilitation project improved approximately 20 lane miles of South Transit Road in Niagara County, with a small portion extending into Erie County, from the Lockport city line at Dorchester Road to the Millersport Highway (State Route 263) ramps in the Town of Amherst. The project included milling and resurfacing the roadway, installation of new pavement markings, replacement of corridor signs, and repairs and replacement of drainage structures, including culverts. Crews also reconstructed sidewalks and installed a new ADA-compliant curb ramp along the eastern side of South Transit Street in front of Children's Memorial Park between Lincoln Avenue and Lincoln Drive in the City of Lockport.

South Transit Street serves as an important connection between the City of Lockport, Niagara County's seat, and Erie County, supporting daily travel for residents, commuters, commercial traffic, and visitors throughout the region.

Campbell Boulevard (State Route 270)

The $6.5 million highway improvement project involved work on more than six lane miles of Campbell Boulevard (State Route 270) and North French Road in the Town of Amherst. The project included milling and resurfacing the roadway, along with reconstructing the shoulders, which will provide additional space for bicyclists and improve safety along the corridor. The project also added approximately 1.4 miles of new sidewalk to increase pedestrian safety, improved drainage along North French Road, and constructed a new right-turn lane for westbound traffic on North French Road turning northbound onto Campbell Boulevard.

Campbell Boulevard and North French Road serve as important transportation links in the Town of Amherst, connecting residents, commuters and visitors to destinations including the University at Buffalo and surrounding residential and commercial areas. The project's pavement, shoulder, and pedestrian improvements will enhance safety and mobility along these important corridors for motorists, bicyclists, and other users.

LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and Interstate 190

The $8.7 million LaSalle Expressway and Interstate 190 paving project restored approximately 22 lane miles of pavement in Niagara Falls. Work included milling and resurfacing 15 lane miles of the LaSalle Expressway (State Route 951A) and seven lane miles of Interstate 190 between Witmer Road (State Route 31) and Upper Mountain Road, providing a smoother, safer ride for motorists.

These highways provide critical connections to the Niagara Scenic Parkway, Niagara Falls State Park, The Rainbow Bridge, and The Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, serving residents while supporting millions of visitors who travel to Niagara Falls each year. The improvements will enhance travel along one of New York State's most important tourism corridors.

Thanks to an unprecedented investment by Governor Hochul of $600 million this year, the New York State Department of Transportation has undertaken more than 180 paving projects across the state. These projects, which total almost 2,150 lane miles, are in addition to the paving initiatives already scheduled as part of NYSDOT's core programs and taken together, represent the most ambitious annual road resurfacing agenda ever put forward by NYSDOT.

Senator Charles Schumer said, "Investments in our roads enhance pedestrian and driver safety and improve the efficiency of the delivery of goods and services. That's why I am proud to deliver millions in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law for critical road safety improvements like these across Erie and Niagara counties. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's work putting federal dollars to good use in Western New York communities and will continue fighting to deliver the resources needed to pave the way for a safer future."

Representative Tim Kennedy said, "Every Western New Yorker should be able to count on safe, reliable roadways. This funding means safer intersections, smoother commutes, better access for pedestrians and cyclists, and stronger connections between our communities. I'm proud to see this work moving forward across Erie and Niagara Counties because investing in our infrastructure is an investment in our future. With these improvements, we are making Western New York a better place to live, work, and raise a family."

State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, "Campbell Boulevard and North French Road are important corridors for the people I represent in Amherst, and these improvements are a significant investment in the safety and accessibility of our community. Better roads, safer crossings and more space for pedestrians and bicyclists make a difference for the thousands of people who use these routes every day. I thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation for making this investment in Amherst and across Western New York."

Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, "I am very pleased with the culmination of the $6.5 million improvement project at Campbell Boulevard and North French Road in Amherst. I thank the Governor for recognizing the need for these improvements and the crews who expeditiously completed the work."

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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