Hochul announces start of $11.3 million project to rehabilitate Union Road

New road surface, curb ramps & traffic signal upgrades to enhance safety and mobility along busy corridor in West Seneca and Cheektowaga

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced construction is getting started on a $11.3 million highway improvement project on Union Road – also known as State Route 277 – that “will ease travel, improve resiliency and enhance safety along a busy commuter and commercial corridor that also provides important access to State Route 400,” her team said.

The project will resurface approximately 15 lane miles of pavement, replace curb ramps, upgrade traffic signals and make other improvements along a stretch of the road between Woodward Drive and Walden Avenue in the towns of West Seneca and Cheektowaga. Additionally, traffic signals will be upgraded or replaced at nearly 20 intersections to improve accommodations for pedestrians.

“As part of our historic $32.8 billion capital plan, we are continuing to make critical investments in improving public infrastructure that New Yorkers rely on every day,” Hochul said. “From improving accessibility along the roadway to facilitating new water infrastructure improvements, this project will bring a healthier quality of life for Erie County.”

Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, New York state continues to make historic investments in our infrastructure that will strengthen the connections between our local communities and allow them to prosper. This rehabilitation project along Union Road will help keep this vital corridor accessible to all users of the transportation system and ensure that people and commerce stay on the move for many years to come.”

Hochul’s team said, “The project calls for a single course mill and overlay of the road surface, which will improve the highway’s durability and reduce the need for future maintenance costs. The intersection of Union Road at Indian Church Road/Race Street will also be improved by widening Race Street to add a new left turn lane to better align with the lane orientations on Indian Church Road and reduce congestion.

“A large culvert located at the intersection of Union Road at Holland Avenue will be rehabilitated and drainage structures within the project limits will be repaired and cleaned. At the same time, the Erie County Water Authority will fund the replacement of various water pipes, service pipes, water valve boxes and a fire hydrant as a betterment to the project.

“Pedestrian signals with countdown timers will be added and curb ramps will be replaced and built in accordance with the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

In addition, traffic signs along Union Road will be replaced and signals will be upgraded or replaced at the following 19 intersections with Union Road:

• Southgate Plaza/Willowdale Drive
• Main Street
• State Route 400 ramp
• Gardenville Parkway
• Old Union Road
• Innsbruck Drive
• Losson Road
• William Street
• Bennett Road
• Appletree Mall
• Como Park Boulevard
• Walden Avenue
• Seneca Street
• Center Road
• North America Drive
• Seneca Creek Road
• Indian Church Road/Race Street
• Orchard Avenue
• French Road

Construction is scheduled to be completed during the winter of 2025.

State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan said, “New York's investment in our infrastructure is important to the quality of life of residents and the continued growth of our economy. This project will improve traffic flow for motorists and make this busy corridor safer for pedestrians. It will also support the many local businesses that rely on the highway to transport goods and services.”

State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Timothy Kennedy said, “This project to rehabilitate Union Road is yet another example of New York's commitment to reconnecting and strengthening our communities through real investment in our infrastructure. By proactively improving these roads now, we're prioritizing both our economy and our workforce, which rely on these routes every day.”

Assembly member Monica P. Wallace said, “Union Road is a vital thoroughfare in our community, providing direct access to schools, small businesses, and essential community institutions. This work will improve road conditions and safety for pedestrians, school buses, and motorists along this major transportation corridor. I applaud Gov. Hochul for her commitment to improving our infrastructure.”

The press release added, “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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