Mayor Malik D. Evans announces start of major Bull’s Head street improvements project to transform one of Rochester’s key gateways

Rochester, New York – A long-anticipated transformation is officially underway in one of Rochester’s most historically significant corridors. City leaders, regional partners, and state officials gathered to mark the beginning of the Bull’s Head Street Improvements Project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to reshape a key gateway into the city while laying the groundwork for future economic growth.

At the center of the project is the Bull’s Head neighborhood, a busy intersection of roads in the southwest portion of the city where West Main Street, Genesee Street, Brown Street, Chili Avenue, and West Avenue meet. For years, the area has been known as a complicated and often congested traffic hub. Now, after more than a decade of planning, collaboration, and community discussion, construction is beginning on a redevelopment effort that aims to change how residents, drivers, cyclists, and businesses experience the neighborhood.

The project focuses on a roughly 12-acre area surrounding West Main Street, including properties located on both sides of the roadway. City leaders see the effort as more than just a road upgrade—it is the foundation of a broader plan to revitalize the neighborhood and encourage new housing, businesses, and investment.

“Today is a celebration of rebuilding opportunity,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We are creating safer roads, better connections, and a foundation for new housing, businesses, and jobs in Bull’s Head. This work reflects years of partnership and community input, and it moves us one step closer to delivering on the promise of this neighborhood. We are grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul and our State partners for their continued belief in and investments in Rochester.”

Local and state officials say the project represents the kind of coordinated investment that can spark change in long-overlooked urban corridors. The redesign of the streets and intersections is expected to improve safety while also making the neighborhood easier to navigate for people traveling by car, bicycle, public transit, or on foot.

Monroe County leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation between different levels of government in bringing the project to life.

“Monroe County is proud to invest in the Bull’s Head Street Improvement Project, a transformative effort that will turn this historic gateway into a safer, more accessible hub for residents and businesses alike. By modernizing these critical intersections and prioritizing a ‘complete streets’ design, we are laying the essential groundwork for sustained economic growth and neighborhood revitalization,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “We are grateful to Mayor Evans, the Rochester City Council, and the New York State DOT for their investment. This collaborative investment that proves what we can achieve for our community when all levels of government work together.”

The design approach guiding the project centers on the “complete streets” concept. Instead of focusing primarily on vehicle traffic, planners aim to balance the needs of all road users. That means wider and safer sidewalks, improved lighting, bike infrastructure, and redesigned intersections that reduce confusion and improve visibility.

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Several major intersections will be reconfigured as part of the project. These include the busy crossing at West Main Street and Genesee Street/Brown Street, as well as the complex meeting point of West Main Street with Chili Avenue, West Avenue, and York Street. Engineers believe the changes will reduce traffic conflicts, smooth vehicle movement, and make it safer for pedestrians crossing the road.

State transportation officials say the improvements are part of a broader effort to support community revitalization through better infrastructure.

“It’s an honor for the State Department of Transportation to be involved in revitalizing Rochester’s historic Bull’s Head neighborhood,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez. “This project is a shining example of what happens when residents and government work together to improve the place they call home. As we break ground on this first phase, the Department of Transportation is excited to work with the City of Rochester and other partners to build the foundation for the vibrant, reimagined neighborhood to follow.”

Beyond the redesigned intersections, the project will introduce entirely new street segments and extensions. These additions are intended to better connect future developments in the area and support redevelopment plans that city officials hope will attract businesses and housing projects in the years ahead.

Alongside roadway changes, the project will include upgraded sidewalks, improved street lighting, and landscaping elements intended to create a more welcoming streetscape. The goal is not only to improve safety but also to make the area more inviting for residents and visitors.

Cyclists will also see improvements. Plans include the addition of an off-street cycle track funded in part through state environmental programs. The separated bike route is designed to provide a safer alternative for riders navigating the busy corridor.

Environmental improvements are also part of the project’s scope. Funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is supporting restoration and sustainability elements tied to the redevelopment.

“The Bull’s Head revitalization project is a testament to the city of Rochester’s commitment to its residents by taking action to create a renewed and more vibrant neighborhood that includes public spaces, parks, and recreation enhancements,” said Timothy P. Walsh, P.E., Region 8 Regional Director. “The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is proud to have supported this Climate Smart project with more than $1.2 million in Bond Act funding towards the environmental restoration of Bull’s Head Street improvements.”

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Safety is one of the primary motivations behind the redesign. The improvements align closely with Rochester’s Vision Zero initiative, which seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by changing how streets are designed and used.

By reshaping high-risk intersections, reducing conflict points between vehicles and pedestrians, and calming traffic speeds, city planners hope to create streets that feel safer for everyone.

The project carries an estimated total cost of about $17.9 million. Funding comes from a combination of federal, state, city, and county sources, along with dedicated environmental grants supporting bicycle infrastructure and sustainability features.

Among the funding sources are the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, the Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, and Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund administered through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

For Rochester officials, the start of construction represents a milestone after years of planning and community engagement. Residents have participated in public meetings, shared ideas, and helped shape the vision for what Bull’s Head could become.

City leaders say the project is about more than infrastructure. It is about reconnecting neighborhoods, encouraging new investment, and restoring energy to a corridor that has long served as a gateway into Rochester.

If successful, the redesign could help transform Bull’s Head from a complicated intersection of roads into a vibrant, welcoming district where transportation, housing, business, and community life intersect.

Residents interested in tracking construction progress or learning more about the project can find updates through the City of Rochester’s Bull’s Head redevelopment webpage.