Governor Cuomo announced the completion of a major Thruway Authority construction project in Cheektowaga. The $11.3 million Cleveland Drive Overpass project includes several renovations that will alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow along one of the busiest stretches of the New York State Thruway (I-90). View a photograph here.

"This new construction will decrease traffic and congestion on one of the busiest parts of the Thruway and improve the experience for the thousands of Western New York residents who depend on this vital part of the region’s transportation system,” Governor Cuomo said. "The completion of this project, which was finished on time and on-budget, is one more example of this administration’s commitment to investing and improving infrastructure across New York State.”

In addition to replacing the overpass, work included the realignment of the Cleveland Drive on-ramp to I-90 westbound and a lane extension from I-290 eastbound to NY Route 33 in efforts to alleviate further traffic concerns. The design of the new overpass also creates wider roadway shoulders by not requiring a center pier support.

“This project was completed on-time and on-budget and the improvements made allow traffic to flow smoother and faster through an area long known for its congestion and delays,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Robert E. Megna. “The safety and reliability of our roadway is our highest priority, and the work accomplished here reflects our commitment to our motorists.”

This stretch of I-90 near exit 50 (Niagara Falls-I-290) is one of the most highly traveled sections of the Thruway with more than 145,000 vehicles passing through the region on a daily basis. Due to this high volume of commuter traffic and a historically high number of incidents in this area, two traffic accident investigation sites were also added as a part of this project to provide a safe pull-off area for drivers.

Along with the improvements to the roadway and overpass, a comprehensive landscape design was developed that included a variety of trees, ground covering shrubs and berms to create a “visual buffer” for nearby residences.

Senator Tim Kennedy said, "The Thruway Authority has once again demonstrated its commitment to Western New York, as well as its commitment to improving our transportation infrastructure. This $11.3 million project has resulted in a safer Cleveland Drive overpass, a more efficient Thruway, and the implementation of berms and other landscape designs to benefit local residents. I applaud the Thruway Authority and Governor Cuomo for seeing this project through to completion, and I know that local drivers will appreciate these improvements as well."

Cheektowaga Supervisor Mary F. Holtz said, “The new Cleveland Drive overpass greatly enhances the visual appearance for the residents of the neighborhood while improving safety and traffic flow for drivers on the Thruway. This was a much needed project and we are glad the New York State Thruway Authority maintained its timely completion schedule before severe weather hits.”

Village of Williamsville Mayor Brian J. Kulpa said, “The Village of Williamsville is extremely happy with the work related to the Cleveland Drive interchange. Cold Springs deserves a lot of credit for the fluid manner in which construction has fallen into place, and the current Thruway Authority leadership deserves credit for recognizing a major need for the surrounding communities and implementing meaningful change. Moving volume onto the Thruway is critical for the Village and we will continue to work with our partners at the Thruway Authority to create value for our community and make the Village more pedestrian friendly.”