ROCHESTER, NY — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announces that work has begun on two projects totaling nearly $42 million to restore the riding conditions and enhance safety along two key stretches of interstates in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region: I-390 from Route 5&20 (Exit 10) in Avon to the Thruway (Exit 12) in Henrietta, and I-490 from South Landing Road in Brighton to Garnsey Road in Perinton. The corridors serve as links between Monroe County and Livingston County and Monroe County and Ontario County, respectively.

"Building back better means continuing to invest in modernizing and strengthening our roads so that regional economies across the state will have the necessary infrastructure to stay competitive," Cuomo said. "The I-390 and I-490 corridors are critical to the Finger Lakes' transportation network, and these resurfacing projects will make the roads safer and more reliable as economic activity across New York continues to pick up again."

"All across the state we are working to rebuild our infrastructure to meet the needs of a 21st century economy, and these investments in Rochester area interstates will help improve connectivity, enhance safety, and promote economic growth for the region," said New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. "DOT looks forward to hitting the ground running with these projects that will no doubt benefit the hundreds of thousands of daily motorists along these important corridors."

The $9.7-million project along I-490 will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists between South Landing Road in the town of Brighton and Garnsey Road in the town of Perinton, near Bushnell's Basin in Monroe County. The project began work to remove hazardous trees and brush earlier this spring, and paving has recently begun. Construction will include improvements to drainage systems and traffic signals and the on and off ramps, as well as guiderail repairs. The paving work is expected to take place during the evening and overnight hours to accommodate a single lane of traffic. Some detours will be required for ramp work.

The $32.2-million project along I-390 will provide a smoother riding surface for motorists between Route 5&20 in Avon (Livingston County) and I-90 in Henrietta (Monroe County). Preliminary work and paving along the northbound lanes recently began. This work requires daily single-lane closures. Construction on the 10.5-mile stretch will include an overlay of the existing concrete pavement with asphalt to improve rideability and prevent further pavement deterioration. Most of the construction along the southbound lanes is expected to take place in 2022.

"I-490 and I-390 are key roadways that connect residents to all that the Finger Lakes Region has to offer, and their upkeep is imperative to the vitality of our communities," Congressman Joe Morelle said. "I am grateful to the Department of Transportation for their continued commitment to the safety of all New Yorkers and for making this critical investment that will enhance the quality of life for residents, improve conditions for travelers, and uplift our regional economy."

"Investing in our transportation system improves the quality of life in a community by improving mobility, safety, and access for community members and helping to attract and retain businesses," Senator Samra Brouk said. "I am proud of the strides we are making in New York State to make infrastructure investments in the Greater Rochester community to help families, workers, and businesses in this region thrive."

The I-490 project is expected to be completed in late 2021, while the I-390 project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022. NYSDOT is working to minimize impacts to traffic during construction, though the traveling public should expect minor delays during paving operations and build additional travel time into their schedules.

This announcement complements Finger Lakes Forward, the region's comprehensive blueprint to generate economic growth and community development. The state has already invested more than $8.07 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan — investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500-million state investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The state's $500-million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion — and the region's plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs.