The Erie County Department of Public Works’ Highways Division is preparing for a robust schedule of road and bridge work planned for 2026, involving more than $50 million in investments for projects spanning the county. Major reconstruction projects account for the largest portion of the total investment, at over $41 million, while road and bridge infrastructure projects account for the remainder. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz joined Commissioner of Public Works William Geary and Town of Amherst Supervisor Shawn Lavin on Maple Road in Amherst to present the road package. Phase II of the Maple Road reconstruction project, a $3 million county-funded investment, is included in the package. 

“2026 will be a very busy year for road construction as we are investing over $50 million in infrastructure across the county, with major road and bridge projects planned along with routine maintenance and preservation tasks. We are also investing heavily in reconstruction projects to improve major routes throughout the county, such as Elmwood Avenue, Borden Road, McKinley Parkway and others,” said Poloncarz. “Winter is difficult on our roads and bridges every year and we must respond accordingly to maintain and improve that critical infrastructure.”

More than $3 million will be invested in 12.85 miles of mill and overlay projects across four highway districts: 

– In the Concord district, Genesee Road from Route 240 to Pratham Road, 1.51 miles. 

– In the Aurora district, Center from Crump to Holland Glenwood, 1.14 miles. 

– In the Harlem district, Aero Drive from Youngs Circle to Wehrle (.76 miles) and Indian Church from Buffalo City Line to Mineral Springs (1.47 miles).

– In the Hamburg district, Boston State Road from Mill to Zimmerman (5.27 miles), Webster Route 277 to Route 20 (1.2 miles) and Pleasant Avenue from RR to I-90 overpass (1.5 miles). 

Over $41.7 million in reconstruction projects dominate the infrastructure investment for 2026, with many major county roadways involved:

– Elmwood Avenue from Knoche to Kenmore Avenue, a 1.45-mile stretch, will be reconstructed at a cost of $9.7 million

– $4.7 million will be invested in the reconstruction of 2 miles of McKinley Parkway from Quinby Road to Southwestern Boulevard.

– $7.5 million is earmarked for Phase III of the Borden Road reconstruction project, covering 1.13 miles from French Road to Seneca Creek.

– The county will invest $3 million for Phase II of the Maple Road project, covering 1.5 miles from North Forest to the bridge over the I-290 and including the bridge spanning Ellicott Creek.

– Bailey Avenue from Grover Cleveland to Sheridan Drive will see $7.8 million in federal aid to reconstruct 1.2 miles of road.

– Five miles of Greiner Road (from Anfield – Salt, 4.57 miles) and Eggert Road (from Sugar to City Line, .56 miles) are scheduled for $3.5 million in road work.

– A $5.5 million investment is planned for North Forest Road (from Maple to Dodge) and Bowen Road (from Seneca to Rice Road).

More than 17 miles of county roads are scheduled to receive cold recycle with top course treatment, representing an investment of over $3.6 million:

– In the Clarence district, Roll from Goodrich to Shimerville (1.26 miles), Bullis from Three Rod to County Line (1.55 miles), Thompson from Clarence Center to Roll (1 mile) and Stahley (entirety, 2.74 miles)

– In the Aurora district, Warner Hill from Route 16 to Vermont Hill (2.06 miles), Curriers-Sardinia from Route 16 to Miller (1.13 miles) and Phillips from Partridge to Holland-Glenwood (1.5 miles).

– In the Harlem district, Tonawanda Creek from Hopkins to Transit (3.16 miles)

– In the Concord district, Gowanda Zoar from South Quaker to Lone Road (2.26 miles) and Gowanda Zoar from RR to South Quaker (.81 miles).

Oil and Chip is back and bigger than ever in 2026, with 45.6 miles of roads in outlying areas receiving this maintenance process from a $1.5 million investment.  

Other significant projects include a $2.3 million reconstruction of the Four Rod Road bridge in Marilla and a similar $1.8 million project on the Sharp Street bridge in Concord. Large culverts will be replaced on Jennings Road, Lein Road and Belscher Road in the Towns of Concord, Collins and West Seneca, representing a $2 million investment. Two other large culverts will be installed on Back Creek Road in Boston, another $2 million investment. 

For more information on the EC Department of Public Works, visit https://www3.erie.gov/dpw/   

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