NYSDOT announces start of $2.9 million project to upgrade culverts in Western New York

Project to repair or replace 12 culverts to enhance safety and resiliency along key roadways in Erie and Niagara counties

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez on Wednesday announced work has begun on a $2.9 million project that will repair or replace 12 culverts in Erie and Niagara counties, “enhancing safety and reducing the risk of flooding along several important roadways for the movement of people and commerce in Western New York.”

Culverts are structures that channel water underneath roads or sidewalks, improving their ability to withstand heavy rains and other severe weather events.

“In projects big and small, Gov. Hochul is making critically important investments in infrastructure that will strengthen our local communities and grow our economy,” Dominguez said. “Addressing these culverts will allow water to flow more easily underneath some of Western New York’s key roadways and make them more resilient and better able to withstand whatever Mother Nature brings – especially extreme weather events.”

The project includes the repair of two large culverts on Interstate 990 in the Town of Amherst, two along U.S. Route 20 in the towns of Orchard Park and West Seneca, and one on State Route 18 in Town of Porter.

Two large culverts will be replaced State Route 277 in the Town of Cheektowaga and State Route 93 in the Town of Newstead.

Five small culverts will be replaced on State Route 104 in Niagara County, including four in the Town of Lewiston, one in the Town of Hartland; and one small culvert will be replaced on State Route 270 in the Town of Cambria.

New York State Sen. Patrick M. Gallivan said, "The state's ongoing investment in infrastructure is critical. These projects will help protect drivers, pedestrians and property by reducing the risk of flooding. Maintaining our system of roads and bridges is important for our economy and for the quality of life of New York residents."

New York State Sen. Rob Ortt said, “In recent years, we have seen several severe meteorological events in Niagara County that have caused flash flooding, the deterioration of roadway infrastructure, and dangerous travel conditions on the roads in our community. New York state has identified some of the important culverts that require repair and is committed to addressing these structures of concern. With the replacement and repair of these critical culverts, Western New Yorkers can rest assured knowing that they will be able to safely traverse roads that were once hazardous when dangerous weather enters our region.”

New York State Sen. Edward Rath said, "I am encouraged to see this investment being made in our local infrastructure. Assuring our roads and drainage are safe and functioning is critical. This investment will improve public safety and improve the quality of life for Western New Yorkers."

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "As temperatures in Western New York begin to warm up, the harsh realities of winter weather on our infrastructure are clear, and the risk of flooding becomes all too common. Through this investment, New York is demonstrating a continued commitment to strengthening our roadways and directly addressing safety concerns before they become hazardous to drivers and pedestrians."

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “These critical infrastructure investments will greatly enhance public safety and quality of life for the people of Western New York. I thank the NYSDOT for prioritizing these projects to build more resiliency into our roadways."

Assemblyman David DiPietro said, "I'm glad to see this project is finally underway. Our critical infrastructure, and especially our culverts, are key to maintaining both our transportation and economic systems. Residents of Erie and Niagara counties will be able to rest assured that their culverts, roadways and sidewalks are safe and secure for years to come."

Assemblyman Michael Norris said, "Critical infrastructure investment is essential to our continued economic recovery and is an area of state spending where taxpayers can see and feel a return. Projects such as culvert replacement extends the life of roadways and keeps them open, safe and available for the transport of goods and services. I will continue to advocate for more investment in our roads, bridges, waterways, and utility and internet connectivity, as these are cost-effective initiatives that grow our economy and improve quality of life for our community."

Assemblyman Patrick B. Burke said, “I thank Commissioner Dominguez and the New York State Department of Transportation for this crucial $2.9 million investment that will replace a dozen culverts in Erie and Niagara counties, which will reduce the risk of flooding and therefore enhance safety for Western New York residents. Now more than ever, we need serious investment into our local infrastructure, and I commend the DOT for realizing the urgency and making this project possible.”

Assemblywoman Karen McMahon said, "New York state and the Department of Transportation continue to prove their commitment to revitalizing Western New York's infrastructure. Repairing or replacing the culverts will solve critical flooding problems and ensure important roadways in Erie and Niagara counties are passable, and most importantly, safe for travel. After this important work is completed, motorists will be able to trust that their preferred route is safe even after heavy rain or snowmelt. I thank the DOT for their recognition of the need for these improvements and look forward to the project's completion."

Assemblywoman Monica Wallace said, “As weather events become more extreme, it’s vital that we upgrade our infrastructure to be able to handle more severe rain and flooding. These culvert projects will ensure that traffic can continue flowing on our major thoroughfares, despite whatever Mother Nature throws at us. I thank the Department of Transportation, Commissioner Dominguez and Gov. Hochul for their continued investments in our essential infrastructure.”

Assemblyman Angelo Morinello said, “I would like to thank the NYSDOT for their recognition of the need to upgrade culverts in Niagara County. The state of New York and the Department of Transportation are true partners focused on the needs of our district.”

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in work zones. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver’s license.

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