February 2006--Passero Associates was recently honored to receive a “Project of the Year” award from the Monroe County Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the Reconstruction of Route 104 and the Reconstruction of the Route 104 Bridge over Mount Read Boulevard, Phase I. The award was in the over $10 million Transportation Projects category. Award recipients included managing agency the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), Passero Associates for construction inspection and construction management, Stantec as the primary design consultant and Sealand Contractors Corp. as the primary contractor.

The traffic corridor of West Ridge Road from east of Dewey Avenue to Route 390 has been transformed from a crowded, dangerous, and aging highway to a safe, modern, and attractive roadway. This project, at a cost of $23 million, with a completion time of 39 months, marks a major improvement in traffic flow on this heavily used route in the Town of Greece and the City of Rochester. Cooperation between NYSDOT, local municipalities, local businesses, railroads, utility and communications providers was a key element to the success of this project.

After several years of design, planning and studies, NYSDOT began the complex reconstruction of the two mile, six lane highway of West Ridge Road from East of Dewey Avenue to the Route 390 ramps, along with the Route 104 bridge over Mount Read Boulevard. This area of West Ridge Road stretches from the City of Rochester into the Town of Greece, affecting many small and large companies including Eastman Kodak’s main plant entrances. The project covered a very heavy transportation and commercial corridor of the City and Town of Greece, including travel by over 25,000 vehicles per day.

NYSDOT studied ways in which safety along the roadway could be improved and traffic volume controlled during the course of related projects on this extremely deteriorated stretch of West Ridge Road. After several years of studies and close communication between NYSDOT and the surrounding community, the solution agreed upon was to install a raised median down the center of the six lane highway. The six lane highway was widened to include a wider shoulder that would accommodate bicycle traffic. The primary purpose of the raised median is to improve safety by managing access to the highway. The median and the sides of the road were landscaped to improve the appearance of the corridor. Seven signalized intersections allow motorists to utilize u-turn maneuvers to safely access the opposite side of the road.

The project consisted of relocating the existing gas, electric, telephone and cable line utilities to accommodate the newly widened West Ridge Road. The bridge spanning Mount Read Boulevard was replaced as part of the contract. A temporary pedestrian bridge was built while the new bridge was under construction. The enclosed pavement drainage system was replaced and upgraded. Portions of the Monroe County Pure Waters system were upgraded, along with the City of Rochester’s water lines and street lighting. Two miles of curb were replaced along with sidewalks, new roadway bases and pavement sections. The traffic signal coordination was replaced and improved. Stone Road in the Town of Greece was realigned at West Ridge Road. Eastman Avenue in the City of Rochester was extended from Dewey Avenue to West Ridge Road.

The Rochester Southern and CSX railroad track crossing on West Ridge Road between Bonesteel Street and Dewey Avenue was replaced and improved. A raised median was installed down the center of West Ridge Road from Hoover Drive to Eastman Avenue and lined with landscaping to improve the corridor appearance. Newly installed street signs and pavement markings were also improved and upgraded.

Two lanes in each direction were open throughout the project. Even with multiple lane closures each day, delays for motorists were kept to a minimum. In order to minimize disruption to the traveling public, the contractor performed much of the work at night and on weekends. An extensive community liaison program was rolled out for this project. The community was kept informed of the status of the project and lane closures through regular broadcasts on public access cable and distribution of printed materials throughout the affected area. Local businesses were also updated regularly on the status of the project, both by NYSDOT and the consultants. Every effort was made to preserve businesses in the area during construction.

The construction cost for the project was $23 million. The State share of the cost was approximately $17.25 million and the Federal share of the cost was approximately $5.75 million. The construction contract was awarded to Sealand Contractors Corp. in January 2002. Sealand continued work for 39 months and completed work in March 2005.

West Ridge Road from Hansford Landing to Route 390 is now open to regular traffic flows and stands as a stellar example of the success possible with innovative planning, and quality construction and construction inspection. The involvement of all affected parties at every step of the process and the outstanding communication efforts on the part of NYSDOT and the consultants smoothed the way for the successful completion of this project, with minimal disruption to local residents and businesses.