Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announces the successful completion of the long-awaited East River Road improvement project in Henrietta

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County officials announced the long-awaited completion of the East River Road improvement project in the Town of Henrietta, marking the end of a significant infrastructure investment aimed at improving traffic flow, safety, and accessibility for residents, students, and commuters alike.

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello confirmed that construction crews from the Monroe County Department of Transportation have wrapped up their extensive work along the busy East River Road corridor, delivering what he called a “safer, more efficient roadway” for the community.

“Maintaining a strong infrastructure is vital to public safety and ensuring that all of our residents can safely and easily travel throughout our county,” said County Executive Bello. “Major projects like this would not be possible without cooperation from partners from across our region. East River Road will be safer and more accessible because of the dedication from our state leaders in securing funding, diligent work from the Town of Henrietta and Monroe County Department of Transportation, as well as crucial input from our community, who informed the scope of this project. Each of these groups were crucial to creating a safer roadway that better serves our residents.”

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The project’s redesign introduced a series of major upgrades along East River Road, an increasingly busy route that serves both residential neighborhoods and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) campus area. Enhancements include extended turning lanes, new intersections and traffic signals, improved drainage systems, updated signage, and the addition of a continuous center turn lane in select areas. The road now also features widened shoulders to better accommodate bicyclists, and new signalized crosswalks have been installed to make pedestrian travel safer at key crossing points.

In coordination with RIT, the project incorporated a 1.75-mile multi-modal path designed to give students living off campus a safe and accessible route to the university. The new pathway connects apartment complexes and businesses along the corridor, encouraging walking and biking while reducing vehicular congestion near the campus.

State leaders who partnered on the project celebrated its completion as an example of successful intergovernmental collaboration that delivers tangible improvements for local residents.

“The East River Road improvements are an example of government working at its best, collaboration across multiple levels to create better outcomes for our community members,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “I was proud to work alongside Supervisor Schultz, County Executive Bello, and Assemblymember Bronson to make this a reality and proud to have helped deliver state funding to create safer, more efficient infrastructure for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians in Henrietta.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson highlighted the project’s contribution to long-term community development and its emphasis on cost efficiency.

“The East River Road Project is increasing safety, efficiency, and connectivity throughout Henrietta. This project was the result of a successful collaboration between state, county and town government and community stakeholders to deliver a significant infrastructure investment, improving accessible transportation in one of Henrietta’s most utilized corridors while also ensuring cost-savings for taxpayers,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “Thank you, Supervisor Schultz, for your innovative and thoughtful leadership, County Executive Bello, Monroe County Department of Transportation, Senator Cooney, and Henrietta residents for your partnership to ensure a safe, accessible roadway in this area.”

For Henrietta Town Supervisor Steve Schultz, the East River Road redesign reflects years of local planning and public input aimed at addressing both traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.

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“This project is a prime example of what can be done when multiple levels of government, town, county, and state, work together,” said Henrietta Town Supervisor Steve Schultz. “We transformed a dangerous and over-crowded stretch of road and created a better corridor with improvements to the flow of vehicular traffic, bicycle friendly shoulders, and additional signalized crosswalks. Additionally, we implemented a wide multi-modal path covering over 1.6-miles and connecting numerous apartment complexes to businesses and the RIT campus, providing safer access for our residents. And we did it very cost effectively, saving enough money with combined construction that we expect to extend the shoulder and crosswalk improvements south to the Erie Station Road intersection.”

Local leaders emphasized that the project is not just about smoother traffic or new pavement — it represents a broader effort to make Monroe County’s infrastructure more inclusive for all forms of travel. From motorists and cyclists to pedestrians and students, the East River Road corridor now supports a diverse range of commuters while reducing risk at historically congested intersections.

“Investments in our infrastructure are essential to safe and efficient travel. The East River Road project is a perfect example of state and local leaders working together to improve the accessibility and well-being of our pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists,” said Majority Leader Michael Yudelson. “I am grateful for County Executive Bello, the Town of Henrietta, and our state delegation’s commitments to strong infrastructure and their work securing this invaluable funding.”

The road, which has long served as a key connector between residential zones and RIT’s expanding technology hub, had faced years of congestion and safety concerns prior to the reconstruction. Now, with better lane design, clearer traffic flow, and expanded walkways, officials say the corridor is set to handle future growth more efficiently.

“Public safety goes hand in hand with strong infrastructure,” said Republican Leader Steve Brew. “Every improvement along East River Road – from better traffic flow to safer crossings – helps protect drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. This project is a great example of how investing in safer roads keeps our communities strong and our families safe.”

The East River Road improvements are part of Monroe County’s broader initiative to modernize transportation corridors and support sustainable, long-term development. As traffic volumes continue to grow in areas like Henrietta — driven by population increases, university expansion, and new commercial activity — the county’s transportation planners see projects like this as critical investments in safety and mobility.

With the final touches complete and the road now open for full use, residents are already noticing smoother commutes and safer crossings. County officials view this project as a model for future infrastructure improvements across the region — proof that strong partnerships between government agencies and the community can produce lasting results for public safety and economic vitality.