Governor Hochul Announces Interstate 390 Flyover Ramp to Open at the I-390/I-490 Interchange in Monroe County

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a major milestone in the $172.8 million I-390/I-490/Route 31 Interchange Improvement Project in the Town of Gates, Monroe County. The new Interstate 390 Flyover, a central feature of the project, will open during the early morning hours of Friday, September 17. The Flyover will greatly reduce congestion by allowing southbound through traffic to travel above the busy interchange and avoid vehicles merging and exiting the highway. Existing exit and entrance ramps have also been reconfigured to reduce vehicle weaving, easing travel and enhancing safety at this vital junction for the movement of people and goods in the region.

The corridor connects nearly 200,000 daily motorists to centers of economic activity, including the Greater Rochester International Airport, the Rochester Technology Park, the Eastman Business Park and downtown Rochester. These improvements are central to enhancing the attractiveness the City of Rochester and surrounding areas to global businesses.

"We continue to move forward with smart infrastructure investments that support regional economic growth and strengthen the ties that bind communities together," Governor Hochul said. "This new Flyover is a major achievement for Rochester area commuters and it demonstrates how the entire I-390/I-490 Interchange project will be a game changer for Monroe County, allowing people to get where they need go safer and with fewer delays."

Once the new Flyover is open to traffic, motorists wishing to continue southbound on I-390 will utilize the two left lanes at the interchange and continue on toward Chili Avenue and the airport. Motorists traveling to I-490 eastbound or westbound will keep to the right at the split and use the existing exit ramps.

The multi-phase project is part of a series of infrastructure investments strategically aimed at easing access and improving traffic flow along State Route 31, State Route 390, and the I-390/I-490 Interchange in Monroe County. Construction of the new I-390 Flyover called for the building of three new bridges to cross over 490 eastbound, I-490 westbound and a newly reconfigured ramp connecting I-490 westbound to I-390 southbound. Additionally, the aging Buffalo Road (State Route 33) Bridge over I-390 was replaced with a modern, multi-girder bridge to accommodate the new traffic pattern. Nearly 15,000 feet of new concrete sound walls were also added to mitigate noise impacts for nearby residents.

Work on the I-390/I-490/Route 31 Interchange Improvement Project began in 2016. Phase One, which included the replacement and widening of the Lyell Avenue bridgeover I-390, was completed in the summer of 2018. Phase Two, which included the rehabilitation of structures carrying Route 390 over the Erie Canal, the creation of a new on-ramp to Route 390 north from Lyell Avenue (State Route 31) and the widening and paving of travel lanes along the interchange was completed in late 2019. Phase Two also included the installation of new concrete sound barriers featuring historic imagery of the Erie Canal's role in the state's transportation system. Phase Three encompasses the new Flyover and traffic enhancements announced today, while Phase Four widened and resurfaced the roadway along Lyell Avenue (Route 31) between Route 390 and Howard Road, including the installation of new sidewalks, bicycle lanes and drainage systems in the corridor. All remaining work, which includes paving, striping, signage, lighting and landscaping is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The I-390/I-490 interchange is one of the most important traffic corridors in Upstate New York and this transformative project will help New York State meet the challenges of the 21st Century improving the commute for thousands of folks who travel through it every day. The new Flyover shows what can be achieved when creative and resilient solutions are applied to modern infrastructure designed to build a better New York."

Representative Joe Morelle said, "The I-390 to I-490 interchange is one of the busiest points in all of Monroe County and with the opening of this flyover ramp, we can ensure that thousands of daily travelers are safe. When we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in the success of our local economy and the quality of life for all Monroe County residents. That is why I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and to Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for their steadfast commitment to this critical infrastructure project and to the safety of all New Yorkers."

Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "This infrastructure investment by Governor Hochul will increase driver safety and ease commutes for Monroe County drivers. The opening of The Flyover is a welcome improvement for Gates residents that will help relieve traffic congestion. We thank Governor Hochul for continuing to work on behalf of the families of Greater Rochester."

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, "The ramp that connects I 490, Route 390, and Lyell Avenue has long needed repair and I am pleased to see that New York State under Governor Hochul's leadership has taken action. For years our community has advocated for these repairs which will make our roads safer, cut down on commute time, and reduce pollution. As a representative serving both the Town of Gates and the City of Rochester this connecting highway ramp is an important bridge for our community and I am eager to see these improvements made."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "The Interchange Improvement Project
is critical and transformative for our region. Ensuring the safe, smooth flow of traffic through the busiest interchange in our community improves our overall quality of life and is crucial for ongoing initiatives to grow our economy by attracting new manufacturers and other industries to our region. I thank the state Department of Transportation for the investment in our vital infrastructure and look forward to trying out the new flyover lane."

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY app.

Follow the New York State Department of Transportation on Twitter at @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. 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.