New Road Surface, Reconfigured Travel Lanes, Pedestrian Improvements to Ease Congestion and Enhance Safety Along Vital Travel Corridor
Project Includes Replacement of Bridge Over Cazenovia Creek
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $48.5 million project that will enhance safety and improve mobility along a key section of U.S. Route 20 – also known as Southwestern Boulevard/Transit Road – in Erie County. The project will reconstruct a nearly 1-mile stretch of roadway between the Leydecker Road intersection and Seneca Street (State Route 16), in the towns of West Seneca, Elma and Orchard Park; adding a new road surface, sidewalks and other improvements to improve access along this vital commuter route that also serves as a key road to Highmark Stadium and several other popular retail and commercial centers in the area. Additionally, the U.S. Route 20 bridge over Cazenovia Creek will be replaced, improving resiliency and sustainability along this important corridor for Western New York travelers.
“New York State is moving full speed ahead to transform our infrastructure and create a modern transportation system that connects and uplifts all the communities of Western New York,” Governor Hochul said. “These improvements along the U.S. Route 20 corridor in Erie County will make it easier for people and goods to get where they need to go safely and also help create a more pleasant journey for fans traveling to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Bills.”
The project will reconstruct 0.9 miles of roadway, adding a new road surface, pavement markings and signage while also cleaning and repairing drainage features. The section of U.S. Route 20 north of the Cazenovia Creek to the Seneca Street intersection will be reconfigured to create two travel lanes in each direction and a two-way, center turning lane. The new configuration will match the existing highway section south of the bridge over Cazenovia Creek and negate the need for traffic to merge into fewer lanes. Sidewalks will also be provided on both sides of the new bridge and the highway north of the bridge. Curb ramps will be built in accordance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Originally built in 1929, the bridge carrying U.S. Route 20 over the Cazenovia Creek will be replaced by a modern steel, multi-girder structure with new sidewalks on both sides. The new bridge will be constructed without any joints, reducing long-term maintenance needs and improving the structure’s resiliency and durability.
In order to limit impacts on the traveling public, the bridge and highway reconstruction will be staged to allow for a single lane of traffic in each direction throughout construction. To facilitate this, the highway south of the bridge will be shifted to the east to allow for a portion of the new bridge to be constructed prior to demolition of the existing bridge. Due to this shift in the highway alignment, Kinsley Road will need to be realigned slightly to provide a safe distance from U.S. Route 20. Construction is scheduled to be completed during the winter of 2026.
State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The improvements being made to U.S. Route 20, including the construction of a new, more resilient bridge over the Cazenovia Creek, will improve travel and help connect communities throughout the region, demonstrating yet again the Department of Transportation's commitment to building a more resilient transportation network that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, “It's imperative that New York continues to invest in fostering accessible, walkable communities and projects that prioritize both pedestrian and driver safety. The start of this project signals a commitment not only to our infrastructure, but to the Western New Yorkers who use this heavily trafficked corridor every day.”
State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, “The state's investment in this project will improve travel along Route 20 and make it safer for both motorists and pedestrians. Replacement of the bridge over Cazenovia Creek is necessary to ensure residents, visitors and commercial traffic have access to this vital corridor for many years to come. I urge motorists to be patient during the construction period and I look forward to the project's completion."
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “This project will greatly improve traffic flow in the affected area and provide a better driving experience for residents and motorists. I thank Governor Hochul for investing in infrastructure projects like this, building a stronger New York.”
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.
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