Major upgrades coming to Route 19 through Brockport
George D. Maziarz
September 13, 2010
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ISSUE:
- Highways
A $5.6 million contract to upgrade Route 19 in the village of Brockport and towns of Sweden and Clarkson, Monroe County, has begun. The contact was awarded to Crane-Hogan Structural Systems of Spencerport.
The project will upgrade a 1.3 mile stretch of pavement along Main Street (Route 19) from the south village line to the north village line. Highlights of the project include full reconstruction, replacement of two large culverts, restoration of the drainage system, and the addition of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Route 19 and East Avenue and West Avenue.
Senator George Maziarz said, “The heart of Brockport will be positively transformed by these improvements. An investment of several million dollars in the community’s infrastructure will leave its mark for decades to come. It is always great to see these kinds of projects occur in our Upstate communities because they really are proof that our tax dollars are being put to work.”
“This road reconstruction, along with the intersection and culvert improvements, will make driving through the Village of Brockport safer and provide a smoother ride,” Acting Commissioner Gee said. “Route 19 is the driveway to the business district, SUNY Brockport and Brockport Central School. All businesses and residences will be accessible throughout the construction phase.”
Full road reconstruction will include the replacement of the 90-year old pavement, curbs, storm drainage system, more than half of the sidewalks and two large culverts, one at the south village line and one at Liberty Street. New mast-arm traffic signals – steel poles with extension arms over the roadway to hold the signals - will replace the existing traditional signals at the intersections of Adams Street, Park Avenue and Fair Street, and Erie, Main and State streets. To improve safety for pedestrians, two new curb extension areas will be installed in the area of Water, Market and Clinton streets. Improved sidewalk ramps and crosswalks also will be part of this highway upgrade. Approximately 140 new trees and other landscaping items will be incorporated into the project.
To address safety concerns and improve traffic flow at the Route 19 intersection at West and East avenues, a modern roundabout will be installed, eliminating the existing traffic signal. This roundabout will feature four entrances, at which vehicles will have to yield before entering. The roundabout is designed to force lower speeds and eliminate left-hand turns, reducing accident severity. A left turn lane will be added on Route 19 at Centennial Avenue.
“The Department of Transportation is committed to undertaking maintenance efforts to keep our state’s infrastructure in a state of good repair,” Acting Regional Director Traver said. “This project will not only improve the condition of the pavement for years to come, but it will also enhance the character of this historic Victorian village for those who travel through this busy stretch of Route 19.”
Some preliminary work is already underway, but work on the drainage system in the central business district will begin in earnest the week of September 20 and continue through the fall. Traffic will be directed around the work zone as space allows and parking in the work zone will be limited. When work progresses south to the narrower section of Route 19, the road will be closed, one block at a time, during the daytime and detours will be posted around village side streets. A detour for larger vehicles will be posted using Redman Road and Sweden Walker Road (Route 260.) Work to relocate water, telephone and other utilities, and temporary pavement patching, including fresh pavement markings, will also take place this fall. Construction is expected to continue until mid-November and resume next April.
The majority of the project will take place next season. To minimize the impact on traffic, excavation and paving work in the central business district will occur during the overnight hours. The project is scheduled to be complete by next December.
A public information meeting will be held prior to the start of next year’s work. Details will be publicized.
Daily traffic and construction reports can be accessed at www.511ny.org
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