New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas announced the start of construction on the second and final phase of the $14 million Route 531 Terminus Project in the towns of Ogden and Sweden. The project, which Governor Andrew Cuomo announced last summer, is aimed at easing traffic flow and improving safety along the Route 531 corridor.
“Sound bridges and highways support mobility, commerce and local economic growth,” Karas said. “Improving Route 531 will boost Monroe County and smooth the link between Rochester and neighboring Orleans County, helping to strengthen tourism and business across the region, while enhancing the region’s ‘Finger Lakes Forward’ strategy.”
The highway improvements also will benefit Rochester Tech Park, adjacent to Route 531. The park is one of the largest multi-use complexes in the nation, with four million square feet of office, research, distribution, industrial and manufacturing space. Its tenants include major national and multi-national companies.
Phase Two of the highway project calls for the reconstruction and widening of Route 31 from west of Salmon Creek Road to the Route 531 eastbound on ramp. Continuous, two-way, left-turn lanes will be installed along Route 31 between Gallup Road and Salmon Creek Road. The project is scheduled for completion this fall.
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, “Route 531 is an important access point for several of our west side communities and these improvements will help to streamline travel along the corridor for our residents and businesses alike. Strong transportation infrastructure supports a strong local economy and also enhances our ongoing efforts to attract more jobs and investment to Monroe County.”
Ogden Town Supervisor Gay Lenhard said, “The Town of Ogden residents are looking forward to the completion of the 531 Terminus Project that will provide an easier traffic flow and improve safety along the Route 531 corridor. The design of this project will be a huge protection needed for many of those who utilize this particular route.”
Beginning Monday, May 14, detours were put in place at Route 31 westbound, which will close to all traffic between Washington Street and Gallup Road until August 30. Additionally, Route 31 westbound will close to all traffic between Gallup Road and Sweden-Walker Road (Route 260) from June 26 through August 30. School bus operations will be maintained on this stretch of Route 31 in both directions through June 25.
Traffic will be detoured using Manitou Road (Route 261), West Ridge Road (Route 104), and Sweden-Walker Road. Motorists using Route 531 westbound will be able to travel north or south on Washington Street during the detour, but will not be able to continue west onto Route 31.
In keeping with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First Initiative to minimize construction impacts to the traveling public, early completion incentives and date restrictions to accommodate school schedules have been incorporated into the project to keep traffic moving throughout the busy Route 31 corridor.
For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit www.511NY.org or the mobile site at m.511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.
