“Maintaining our infrastructure is critical to the well-being of our State. We are committed to improving our older bridges, which still serve as vital links across counties and regions for commerce and recreation,” Governor Cuomo said. “With enhanced safety measures and increased access for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, this reconstructed bridge will serve Western New York for years to come.”

The two-lane bridge sits on a new alignment path, including a travel lane in each direction with a two-way center turn lane north of the bridge. There are wide shoulders on the bridge for bicyclists, and sidewalks were included on both sides for pedestrians. There is a modern roundabout with pedestrian accommodations that has replaced the signalized intersection of New York Route 5 and 438 with U.S. Route 20. A gateway to the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation of Indians was also constructed as part of the project.

Projects like this underscore the Governor’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure across New York. The new design for this bridge earned a GreenLITES Evergreen Award in April 2013 from the New York State Department of Transportation, which recognized the achievements and contributions of the project towards improving safety and mobility while reducing the impact to environmentally sensitive areas. This included holding 12 public involvement meetings, incorporating project amenities to benefit bicyclists and pedestrians, and improving fishing access to Cattaraugus Creek. A robust tree replacement program, the use of soil bioengineering techniques and traditional planting for riparian corridor restoration were also recognized in the award.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew Driscoll said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, the New York State Department of Transportation is working cooperatively with the Seneca Nation and elected officials to improve the transportation infrastructure in western New York for multi-modal travel. This project provides the surrounding communities with a new bridge that will enhance the quality of life for decades to come.”

Senator Catharine Young said, “Replacement of the New York Route 5 and U.S. Route 20 bridge, and the addition of the new roundabout at the junction of Routes 5, 20 and 438, is an important part of long-term safety and economic planning for the town of Hanover and its surrounding communities. The new bridge will accommodate a greater amount of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, and will serve the community for decades to come. Today’s announcement that the new structure has been completed is great news for area residents and businesses.”

Assemblyman Andy Goodell said, “I am pleased that the NYS-DOT was able to complete this critical bridge project while keeping Routes 5 and 20 open for traffic. Loss of this bridge would have created an untenable situation that would have jeopardized safety, emergency services, and local commerce. I also appreciate the efforts of County Legislator George Borrello and the local town board to ensure that this project received the priority it deserved.”

The construction contract was awarded to Union Concrete and Construction Corporation of West Seneca, Erie County, in April 2013.