$5.3 million invested in Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge project

The first major maintenance project since the opening of the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in 2007 is now underway.

The $5.3 million preventative project begins this month and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025. The bridge will receive new coats of zinc—and epoxy-based paint to protect the structural steel from wear and corrosion. Officials estimate the new paint should last 10 to 15 years before requiring another coat.

The Douglass-Anthony bridge was completed in 2007 as part of the Department of Transportation's Western Gateway I-490 project, which aimed to rehabilitate and modernize I-490 between the Erie Canal and the Genesee River.

Before the current bridge became a prominent feature of Rochester's skyline, the Troup-Howell Bridge, constructed in 1954, stood for over 50 years until it was replaced.

It was officially renamed the Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge in honor of civil rights activists Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, who called Rochester home.

"This work will not only ensure that residents and visitors can continue to appreciate this bridge for decades to come but continue to uphold the proud Rochester legacy of both Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony," Governor Hochul said.

The bridge, which spans the Genesee River along Interstate 490, will stay open in both directions during construction, which will primarily occur overnight.

Genae Shields is the business & development impact reporter. Reach out at gshields@gannett.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!