10/9/14: Poloncarz, Higgins Review Reconstructed East Robinson/North French Road

Modified: January 23, 2015 4:19pm

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Date: 
10/9/14

L-R: Erie County DPW Director of Engineering Charlie Sickler, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz (at podium), Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), and Erie County Commissioner of Public Works John Loffredo at Thursday’s announcement of the completion of road work on East Robinson and North French roads in Amherst.  The project included full reconstruction of the roadway, the addition of two travel lanes and a turning lane, and the installation of concrete curbs, gutters, and new sidewalks along with new signage.


$10.1 Million Project Completed Ahead of Schedule; Improves Highway & Intersection Safety, Increases Capacity, Reduces Congestion

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and Commissioner of the Erie County Department of Public Works John Loffredo to review the completed road reconstruction project at East Robinson and North French roads in Amherst. The $10.1 million project, which included full depth reconstruction of the existing roadway plus the addition of two travel lanes and one two-way center turn lane, also involved the installation of concrete curbs and gutters and new sidewalks offset from the face of the curb. Signage placement and pavement markings will provide the finishing touches on the new roadway.

“2014 has been a very busy year for road work in Erie County, and I am pleased to add East Robinson and North French roads to the growing list of projects that have been completed across the County this year. In the past two years, my administration has invested over $60 million in our roads, bridges, and infrastructure to provide residents with the roads they expect,” said Poloncarz. “This project has greatly improved a road that has become more heavily used as the community has grown around it, making it safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians and motorists. I thank Congressman Higgins for securing a great portion of the funding for this project from the federal government. ”

Accadia served as contractor for the project. 1.2 miles of East Robinson and North French roads from Niagara Falls Boulevard to east of Sweet Home road were completely reconstructed during the course of the project, along with an additional 0.4 miles of Sweet Home road in Amherst. The bridge over Town Ditch No.2, which was closed for the entire project length, was replaced and now features guide railing placed at the bridge approaches to protect traffic. Waterline replacements and improvements to Town highway intersections were also completed. The project was funded with 80% federal funds, 15% state funds, and 5% county funds. 

“Generations ago it was never envisioned that this stretch would become the corridor it is today, connecting: a university, commercial and light industrial businesses, schools and neighborhoods,” said Congressman Higgins.  “This infrastructure investment enhances a route in great need of improvement, providing a safer and more efficient transportation experience as well as direct economic impact to the area.”

Traffic analysis by the Erie County Department of Public Works and the Town of Amherst indicated that the volume of traffic on East Robinson and North French roads exceeded existing capacity prior to the reconstruction, resulting in reduced safety, heavy congestion, and poor levels of service. These roads function as an urban minor arterial highway servicing the northwest area of the town of Amherst. They connect eastern Amherst, the Niagara Falls Boulevard area, and Niagara County to I-990.

For more information:

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