American Public Works Association Honors 2-Mile Reconstruction Project With 2015 “Transportation Project of the Year” Award

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Public Works (“DPW”) was honored this week by the American Public Works Association (“APWA”) with the 2015 “Transportation Project of the Year” award for the Lake Avenue Reconstruction Project, a full reconstruction of 2 miles of Lake Avenue between Abbott Road and Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. The roadway, which had last been reconstructed in the early 1970’s, was experiencing pavement deterioration due to poor subbase materials and subgrade drainage. These conditions were remedied during the reconstruction through the use of an innovative and cost-effective roadway section utilizing geogrid reinforcement, which reduced the amount of excavation necessary and made it possible to reinforce the entire 2-mile length. The road way was also resized to meet the county’s standard for urban minor arterial roadways.

“The Lake Avenue project is a good example of collaboration, innovation, and commitment to getting a project done on a tight timeline,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The reconstruction resulted in a greatly-improved roadway that is not only better for motorists and residents alike, but will have a longer life due to the reinforced geogrid underneath it. This project is a big success for everyone.”

To avoid conflicts with school buses and to accommodate utility facility locations, construction on the approximately $3 million project began in July 2015 and included installation of cross culverts and a longitudinal underdrain beneath the road surface to address drainage issues. These steps were followed by installation of geogrid and subbase materials and paving of the mainline, which was completed by mid-October. The project was completed with the paving of over 200 residential driveway matches, relocation of mailboxes, and other incidental items that greatly enhanced the overall project aesthetics.

Joining DPW in receiving the award were Project Contractor Accadia Site Contracting, Inc. and Design and Construction Team members T.Y. Lin International, Foit-Albert Associates, and EmpireGEO Services, Inc. 

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Public Works, visit http://www2.erie.gov/dpw/