The New York Department of Transportation has begun construction on a $6.3 million project to extend the service life of seven bridges on northbound Interstate 990 and reduce maintenance costs.
The stretch connects Interstate 290 with the University of Buffalo North campus and handles up to 65,000 vehicles daily.
Improvements include repairing concrete, painting the ends of the steel girders, upgrading bridge railings and replacing bridge joints, curbs and concrete approach slabs.
“This corridor connects neighborhoods with local schools, UB, light industrial parks, retail businesses and community resources including a police station, library and senior center,” U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY) said. “This project, which includes significant federal highway funding, continues the infrastructure investments necessary to support safe, efficient and stronger communities.”
Work will begin in Amherst in Erie County.
The bridges scheduled to be rehabilitated are the bridges over Campbell Boulevard, Chestnut Ridge Road, Dodge Road, Ellicott Creek, James Audubon Parkway, North French Road and Sweet Home Road
Once the project is completed, driving conditions will be improved and safety will be enhanced. Work is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative.
The rehabilitation is forecasted to be finished in the spring of 2020. Drivers are being warned to be aware of changing traffic patterns.