The New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) has announced it has retained an engineering firm to provide a Planning Study to examine the Route 63 Corridor in Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming counties. The study will identify the existing and future conditions, identify existing and future needs, develop and evaluate short and long-term solutions.
“The study is intended to address the increasing truck traffic along Route 63,” Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said. “Additional objectives will look at seasonal traffic in the northwest corner, as well as potentially stimulating economic development. Under Governor Pataki’s leadership, NYDOT is committed to developing strategies that improve mobility and increase safety along roadways in Western New York and across the state.”
This approximately 50-mi. corridor study will begin at I-390 (Exit 7) and extend north to Exit 48A of I-90 at the interchange with Route 77. Also identified in the corridor study is U.S. Route 20 and State Route 77.
Conceptual alternatives to be explored, investigated, and considered, could range from spot intersection improvements to building a new expressway type facility. The study’s outcome will be recommended improvements that are adequate, safe, efficient, and at a reasonable cost that are accepted by the local community.
The consultant’s responsibilities will also include implementing a comprehensive community participation program which will include advisory committees and public information meetings.
Truck traffic in this corridor, which is being used as a short cut from I-390 to I-90, has grown significantly over the last several years. With the passage of the North America Free Trade Agreement, international trade from Canada bound for New York City and other destinations along the eastern seaboard have increased substantially to a point where trucks are now up to 40 percent of the traffic along this highway. The total traffic volumes range from 5,700 to 7,800 vehicles per day.
The study duration is expected to be 18 to 24 months and is expected to begin in early next year. The Sear Brown Group of Rochester, NY, will be conducting the planning study and NYSDOT will be overseeing the project.
