Construction work at the Vacuum Oil cleanup site will close part of the Genesee Riverway Trail in Rochester

Rochester, New York – A stretch of the popular Genesee Riverway Trail in Rochester will be temporarily closed as construction activity moves forward at the long-standing Vacuum Oil Brownfield Cleanup site. City officials say the closure will affect the section of trail running between Violetta Street and South Plymouth Avenue.

Work crews are preparing the area as part of the broader environmental cleanup and redevelopment effort tied to the former industrial property along the river. Because the trail passes directly through the construction zone, access to that portion of the pathway will not be permitted while the work is underway.

City representatives explained that the shutdown is expected to last through the summer of 2026. During this period, pedestrians, cyclists, and other trail users will need to plan alternate routes while the project continues.

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The affected corridor of the Genesee Riverway Trail is a well-used recreational route that follows the Genesee River and connects neighborhoods with scenic riverfront views, parks, and walking paths. Its closure, while temporary, may impact regular users who rely on the trail for exercise, commuting, or leisure rides.

To help minimize confusion and maintain safety around the construction zone, the city is urging residents and visitors to follow all posted directions in the area. Signs will be placed to guide users away from the closed section, and flaggers may be present near nearby streets to assist with traffic and pedestrian flow.

Officials also emphasized the importance of respecting barriers and detours while construction activity is taking place. Heavy equipment, ongoing site preparation, and environmental work require a controlled space, making it unsafe for the public to access the trail segment during the cleanup.

The Vacuum Oil Brownfield Cleanup project represents an ongoing effort to address environmental contamination left from earlier industrial use of the property. The work is part of a long-term plan to restore the site and improve conditions along the riverfront corridor.

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Residents interested in monitoring the progress of construction or learning about additional road and trail closures can check regular updates through the city’s StreetBeat webpage. Additional information about the Vacuum Oil cleanup effort is also available online through the city’s official website.

Until the construction phase concludes, city leaders encourage trail users to stay informed, remain cautious near the work zone, and explore alternative routes while improvements continue along Rochester’s riverfront.