Department of Transportation

Construction Begins on Interstate 290 Bridges, Town of Tonawanda, Erie County

NYSDOT ANNOUNCES START OF CONSTRUCTION OF INTERSTATE 290 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT  

            The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) today announced the start of a $16.3 million project to replace four bridges on Interstate 290 over Delaware Avenue (NY Route 384) at Exit 1 and Military Road (NY Route 265) in the town of Tonawanda, Erie County.   The project will include the construction of new bridge abutments, bridge decks, and new pavement.  The work will also include the replacement of existing sidewalks, curbs and ramps, with new wheelchair ramps that conform to the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“As a part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, this project underwent rigorous review during design to ensure a detour and traffic control plan that maintains safety and is least disruptive to commuter and commercial traffic during construction,” said Darrell Kaminski, Regional Director. “The contractor, Union Concrete Construction, has worked to expedite completion of the project to minimize lane and ramp closures.”

            During the summer of 2014, and through the duration of the project, several travel restrictions will be required. Lane closures on Military Road and Delaware Avenue in the vicinity of Interstate 290 have begun and will be maintained through the remainder of 2014.  These lane closures are necessary to relocate utilities and to complete the installation of temporary detour ramps and temporary traffic signals.

Beginning in the spring of 2015, temporary detour ramps and temporary traffic signals will control traffic on Delaware Avenue at Exit 1 through the 2015 construction season. Interstate 290 will be reduced to two lanes in each direction.  Also, traffic from Delaware Avenue to Interstate 290 westbound will follow posted detours.  Construction is expected to conclude in the fall of 2016. 

            Further information about the project and the traffic control plan can be found on the NYSDOT website https://www.dot.ny.gov/interstate290atdelaware.  Real time traffic information can be obtained by calling 511, or by visiting www.511ny.org.