$48.5 Million Route 20 Reconstruction Project Officially Launches

A shot of traffic on Route 20 with the Elma Water Tower in the background in Elma, New York.Photo byPhoto by J.M. Lesinski

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently celebrated the launch of a $48.5 million reconstruction project on Route 20, aka Southwestern Boulevard/Transit Road, to better enhance its safety and overall mobility.

“New York State is moving full speed ahead to transform our infrastructure and create a modern transportation system that connects and uplifts all the communities of Western New York,” Hochul stated of the project. “These improvements along the U.S. Route 20 corridor in Erie County will make it easier for people and goods to get where they need to go safely and also help create a more pleasant journey for fans traveling to Highmark Stadium to cheer on the Bills.”

The Route 20 project will officially reconstruct approximately 0.9 miles of roadway, between the intersection at Leydecker Road and Seneca Street (aka State Route 16) in the towns of West Seneca, Elma, and Orchard Park, adding sidewalks, new road surface, markings on the pavement, new signage, repairing vital drainage, and curb ramps that will be in full accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“The state's investment in this project will improve travel along Route 20 and make it safer for both motorists and pedestrians,” commented New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan of the project. “Replacement of the bridge over Cazenovia Creek is necessary to ensure residents, visitors and commercial traffic have access to this vital corridor for many years to come. I urge motorists to be patient during the construction period and I look forward to the project's completion."

The U.S. Route 20 bridge over Cazenovia Creek will also be restored with modern steel and a multi-girder structure with brand-new sidewalks on each side, as well as no joints whatsoever, which will greatly reduce longer term maintenance and enhance overall structural durability. 

“The improvements being made to U.S. Route 20, including the construction of a new, more resilient bridge over the Cazenovia Creek, will improve travel and help connect communities throughout the region,” State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez remarked of the project. “demonstrating yet again the Department of Transportation's commitment to building a more resilient transportation network that meets the needs of all New Yorkers.”

Construction is officially anticipated to be finished sometime during winter 2026.

“This project will greatly improve traffic flow in the affected area and provide a better driving experience for residents and motorists,” noted Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz of the project. “I thank Governor Hochul for investing in infrastructure projects like this, building a stronger New York.”