NYDSDOT Announces Completion of US Route 219 Extension Project
Southern Expressway Extension Opening Friday, Novbember 19
New
York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner
Stanley Gee today announced the opening of the 4.2-mile extension of
U.S. Route 219, Southern Expressway, in the village of Springville, Erie
County, and the town of Ashford, Cattaraugus County.
“Extending
the Southern Expressway allows greater mobility for area residents and
long distance travelers and truckers by providing a safe, efficient way
to travel between Erie and Cattaraugus counties,” Acting Commissioner
Gee said. “In addition, this new stretch of
highway features a stunning backdrop with panoramic views of the
mountains and valleys that make up the Enchanted Mountains.”
The
U.S. Route 219 project, which began in 2007, extended the Southern
Expressway from State Route 39 in the village of Springville to a new
interchange at Peters Road in the town of Ashford. The
project involved the construction of 4.2 miles of four-lane divided
highway and nine new bridges, including two, twin steel arch bridges
that each span more than 700 feet across the Cattaraugus Creek gorge. A
new 41-acre wetland and wildlife observation area was constructed in
Hinman Valley, town of Ellicottville, as well as a 2,000-foot stream
habitat enhancement project on McKinstry Creek, in the town of
Yorkshire. The prime contractor on the project was Cold Spring Construction Company of the village of Akron, Erie County.
Senator
Catharine Young said, “Completing this phase of Route 219 is a design
feat of huge proportions that has taken decades of dedication and hard
work, led by local people who have had an unrelenting vision and a
dream. We need a major north-south route to connect our
-more-
region with new markets. When it’s finally finished, Route 219 will bring countless jobs and opportunities to revitalize Western New York. As
importantly, making Route 219 a safer roadway will save heartache and
lives. Hundreds of people have been seriously injured or killed on
Route 219 over the years, and upgrading the highway will avert carnage
on the road. We need to celebrate our current success and rededicate
ourselves to a positive economic future by achieving the ultimate goal
of having the entire route constructed.”
Assemblyman
Joseph M. Giglio said, “I’m pleased that the current phase of the Route
219 project has been completed. This is one of the most important
projects for economic development, commerce, travel and tourism in
recent history. I congratulate all of those that have worked toward the
completion of Route 219, and I’m hopeful that the next phases begin as
soon as possible.”
Meg
Lauerman, Continental 1 Project Manager said, “Continental 1 is
delighted that NYSDOT has decided to publicly celebrate this momentous
community achievement. Our region can be proud of
the work accomplished – the design and construction of a magnificent
twin span, award-winning wetland mitigation, as well as the long hours
and tireless efforts of our local workforce, including Seneca Nation and
other high-iron construction workers.”
“This
Southern Expressway project has extended this important north-south
corridor which will improve mobility and enhance the economic vitality
of the region,” said NYSDOT Acting Regional Director Darrell Kaminski. “Equally
important, the project will also mitigate safety concerns for the
traveling public along the existing two-lane highway section of U.S.
Route 219.”
The
U.S. Route 219 extension provides a unique, scenic gateway to
Cattaraugus County offering beautiful views of the Cattaraugus Creek
gorge and surrounding valleys. Locally, the area
is known as the “Enchanted Mountains,” and travelers on U.S. Route 219
enjoy a landscape of woodland hills and stream glens. These scenic qualities helped earn U.S. Route 219 the designation of a New York State Scenic Byway in 2007.
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