Senator Kennedy Announces Route 33 Bridge Work Finally Begins

At recent budget hearing, Kennedy pushed DOT to get this project and others in WNY started. 

Kennedy will continue tracking DOT projects, to ensure they are started and completed on-schedule 

Kennedy: After nearly a one-year delay, this critical roadwork is finally beginning to rejuvenate aging structures, improve public safety and strengthen surrounding neighborhoods

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy, D-Buffalo, announced work is finally beginning on critical bridge rehabilitation projects along NY Route 33. Kennedy has been pushing the state Department of Transportation to get this project – and others in Western New York – started after the region experienced several project delays and downgrades over the last several months. 

This rehabilitation work is beginning following Kennedy’s efforts to bring these ongoing project delays to light at a recent public hearing held to discuss the state’s transportation budget. The four bridges over NY Route 33 that will now be rehabilitated and redecked are Hospital Drive, Deerfield Avenue and East Delevan Avenue in Buffalo and Union Road in Cheektowaga.

DOT originally scheduled the bridges for redecking in June 2012 through the New York Work ‘Accelerated Bridge Program’, but due to unforeseen issues, the project was delayed until this spring. Kennedy has been tracking the project since its original announcement to ensure the DOT makes good on its promises and completes this critical work in Western New York. This rehabilitation work will bring the bridges up to good condition and prevent the need for more costly, in-depth full reconstruction in the near future.

“These bridges over Route 33 are in urgent need of repair and rehabilitation – which made the delay that slowed the projects down even more troubling,” Kennedy said. “Now that this road work is finally getting started, it will help rejuvenate aging structures, improve public safety and strengthen neighborhoods in Cheektowaga and Buffalo. Commissioner McDonald promised to get these projects moving at the recent budget hearing, and I thank her and Governor Cuomo for their leadership in getting this done.” 

Kennedy has long been working to ensure the DOT delivers a fair share of resources for Western New York. 

“When the DOT invests in Western New York, it creates jobs and spurs local economic activity,” Kennedy added. “It is great news that the DOT living up to its promises and following through on needed rehabilitation projects for our roads and bridges. Before I took office, Western New York had missed out on its fair share, and I refuse to let that happen again. Projects delayed are jobs denied. When state agencies make commitments, it’s critical that we hold them accountable. We’ll keep working to make sure the DOT follows through and delivers the resources that our community needs.”

This $7.2 million bridge reconstruction project was awarded to Oakgrove Construction Inc. of Elma, Erie County and is expected to be complete in the fall. The DOT is assuring commuters that most work requiring lane closures will be conducted outside of peak travel hours.

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To view video of Senator Kennedy questioning the DOT commissioner on DOT project delays, including the Route 33 bridges, visit http://youtu.be/PIU9RWvmtHo.  

Senator Timothy M. Kennedy represents the New York State Senate’s 63rd District, which is comprised of the town of Cheektowaga, the city of Lackawanna and nearly all of the city of Buffalo. More information is available at http://kennedy.nysenate.gov.