DOT details work on Parkway paving that will include part of Kendall
Press Release, NYS Department of Transportation
New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas today announced that construction has begun on a $5.2 million paving project to rehabilitate nearly 30 lane miles of the Lake Ontario State Parkway between Route 19 in Hamlin, Monroe County and Route 237 in Kendall, Orleans County.
The project will significantly improve the existing pavement conditions through a multi-course resurfacing in both eastbound and westbound lanes. Work on the project is beginning nearly one month earlier than anticipated and will minimize the impact on tourism drawn by nearby Hamlin Beach State Park.
“Thanks to the commitment of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Transportation continues to make smart investments in our local infrastructure,” said Acting Commissioner Karas. “This significant rehabilitation work along Lake Ontario will enhance safety and make it easier for the traveling public to utilize this asset in the summer months and beyond.”
Consistent with Governor Cuomo’s Drivers First initiative, the project has been designed to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The Lake Ontario State Parkway will remain open to traffic throughout construction, with at least one lane of traffic maintained in each direction. Short-term ramp closures will take place during paving of the on and off-ramps at the Route 237, Route 272 and Hamlin Beach interchanges. These ramps will be kept open Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The eastbound ramp at Hamlin Beach State Park will close in early May for approximately 7 days for concrete repairs to the bridge deck over Yanty Creek.
Work will consist of overlaying the existing deteriorating concrete pavement, the installation of new wrong-way signs, upgraded pavement markings and striping, along with narrowing the existing shoulder of the Parkway from 12 feet to 8 feet in width.
The pavement’s newly enhanced rideability will prove beneficial for motorists travelling to and from businesses in Monroe and Orleans counties, along with tourists visiting nearby Hamlin Beach State Park during the summer months. Access to the park will be maintained throughout the duration of the project.
“Today’s news that Department of Transportation has begun rehabilitation construction work on the Lake Ontario State Parkway from Hamlin to Kendall is certainly a relief to those living in the adjacent communities and those who use the roadway on a daily basis,” said State Senator Joe Robach. “I have consistently heard from my constituents just how needed and important this work is and I am glad that the state has made a commitment to ensure the entirety of the Parkway is a modern and safe thoroughfare for all who use it.”
“The counties of Monroe and Orleans are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in our state, but unfortunately the state of the Lake Ontario Parkway developed notoriety as an aggravating stretch for motorists and residents,” said State Sen. Robert Ortt. “This significant investment will repair 30 miles of the Parkway and provide residents with safer and more manageable commutes. It will also allow visitors to experience the beauty that Lake Ontario has to offer with minimal congestion as the summer travel season commences.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley: “This scenic byway is crucial to local tourism, travel and recreation as a main artery through Western New York that hosts numerous campers, travelers and fishermen. I am proud to be a part of this project’s success, and I look forward to smoother and safer travel in the near future.”
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo: “I’m excited to see improvements being made to Lake Ontario State Parkway, especially along this stretch. The Parkway improves accessibility in northwestern Monroe County and enhances our efforts to attract and retain jobs here in our community. This project, in concert with Monroe County’s previously announced $32 million investment in infrastructure, will help support jobs, strengthen our economy and enhance our world-class quality of life.”
Orleans County Legislature Chairwoman Lynne Johnson: “I am very pleased to be seeing some progress on this long-standing issue. My hope is that this is just the beginning of a larger effort to restore the Lake Ontario State Parkway to a condition fitting the beautiful scenic drive along Lake Ontario.”
During the paving project, detours will be posted for all ramp closures at Hamlin Beach Park. Motorists will be informed of construction work and detours using variable message boards and temporary work zone traffic control signs. Work will continue through the end of summer with a targeted completion date of early fall.
Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. 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.
