Governor Hochul launches $17 million highway improvement projects across Western New York

Albany, New York – Construction is officially underway on two major transportation projects in Western New York after Governor Kathy Hochul announced more than $17 million in state funding aimed at improving critical highways in Erie and Niagara counties. The investment represents another step in New York’s long-term effort to modernize aging transportation infrastructure while making travel safer and more reliable for the thousands of people who depend on these routes every day.

Together, the two projects carry a combined value of approximately $17.2 million. One focuses on rehabilitating several bridges along Interstate 990 in Erie County, while the other will rebuild and resurface a heavily traveled stretch of State Route 93 in Niagara County. State officials say the improvements will strengthen important travel corridors that support local communities, businesses, commuters, tourists, and economic growth across the region.

Governor Hochul emphasized that transportation investments extend well beyond repairing pavement and bridges. She said they play a key role in strengthening communities and ensuring that people can travel safely while supporting regional development.

“These smart investments will strengthen vital upstate travel corridors for everyone – businesses, commuters, college students, residents, and visitors alike. The work being done now will make their trips safer, smoother, and more reliable — all while supporting Western New York’s economy,” Governor Hochul said. “State Route 93 is an east-west connector and serves both local traffic and visitors seeking waterfront attractions along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, including historic Old Fort Niagara. Likewise, Interstate 990 is a crucial connector for commuters from Northern Erie County. These projects are critical investments in our transportation network that are long overdue and there is more to come.”

A significant portion of the funding—$8.7 million—will be directed toward Erie County, where three bridges along Interstate 990 in the Town of Amherst are scheduled for extensive rehabilitation. The interstate serves as one of the primary commuting routes for residents traveling to and from Northern Erie County, making it a vital piece of the area’s transportation network.

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The work will include replacing essential bridge supports, repairing structural steel components, and installing new bridge decks designed to extend the lifespan of the structures and improve long-term safety.

During the 2026 construction season, crews will concentrate on the bridge carrying Interstate 990 over Sweet Home Road and Bizer Creek. The bridge also functions as the southbound entrance ramp from John James Audubon Parkway onto I-990. According to state officials, that bridge will close during the final week of June 2026 and is expected to reopen by early September. Clearly marked detours will guide motorists while construction is underway.

At the same time, workers will build temporary crossover lanes along Interstate 990. These temporary traffic patterns will allow vehicles traveling in both directions to share one side of the highway during future construction phases. The crossovers are being installed in preparation for rehabilitation work next year on the bridges spanning John James Audubon Parkway and Campbell Boulevard.

State transportation officials anticipate completing the entire Interstate 990 bridge rehabilitation project by the fall of 2027.

The second major project targets Niagara County, where $8.5 million has been allocated to reconstruct and resurface approximately 2.3 lane miles of State Route 93 through the Village of Youngstown and the Town of Porter.

Rather than limiting improvements to new pavement, the project includes a broader redesign intended to improve safety and accessibility for multiple types of road users. Plans call for the installation of shared-use bicycle lanes, upgraded drainage systems, new curbs, sidewalks, and improved road signage.

Construction will be spread across two years, an approach designed to reduce disruptions for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the Village of Youngstown.

State Route 93 serves as one of the area’s principal east-west travel corridors and is known locally as Lockport Street through Youngstown. It also connects with the Niagara Scenic Parkway and State Route 18F, providing direct access to popular destinations along both the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

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The roadway is particularly important for visitors traveling to waterfront attractions, including historic Old Fort Niagara, making the improvements valuable not only for local residents but also for regional tourism.

Drivers should expect periodic lane closures while work progresses. Officials currently expect construction to conclude by the end of 2027.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said the projects reflect the state’s ongoing commitment to improving transportation systems across Upstate New York.

“These projects highlight Governor Hochul’s sustained commitment to Upstate New York as she continues to deliver needed transportation infrastructure investments in communities across New York. When we invest in transportation, it does so much for the communities it connects. These projects will provide safer, more reliable roads and bridges for residents and visitors today, while supporting the economy of Western New York today and well into the future.”

Officials note that investments in transportation infrastructure often produce benefits that extend beyond smoother roads. Construction projects create jobs, support local contractors, reduce future maintenance costs, and help ensure businesses can move goods efficiently while allowing residents to travel with greater confidence.

State Senator Jeremy Zellner also praised the announcement, pointing to the importance of Interstate 990 for thousands of Western New Yorkers who rely on the highway every day.

“Every day, thousands of Western New Yorkers rely on I-990 to get to work, take their kids to school, and get home safely. Keeping our roads and bridges in good condition isn’t optional, it’s one of the most important investments we can make. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to prioritize infrastructure projects like this that improve safety, reduce long-term costs, and deliver for the residents of the 61st District.”

His comments reflect the broader goal behind the state’s infrastructure program: maintaining transportation systems before deterioration becomes more costly while improving safety for both drivers and surrounding communities.

The projects align with the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation, which focuses on maintaining a transportation network that is safe, dependable, resilient, and accessible. Beyond moving people efficiently, the agency says its work is intended to connect communities, enhance quality of life, protect the environment, and support New York’s economy.

As construction continues over the coming months and years, officials are urging motorists to remain alert when traveling through work zones. Drivers should slow down, follow posted traffic changes, and move over whenever possible to help protect highway workers performing construction and maintenance along the state’s roads.

With work now underway in both Erie and Niagara counties, state leaders view the projects as another milestone in a broader strategy to renew aging infrastructure across Western New York while preparing the region’s transportation network to meet future travel demands.