New York Construction Report staff writer
In a major boost to downtown revitalization, $100 million in federal funding has been announced for the Inner Loop North transformation project. This investment aims to reconnect historically disadvantaged neighborhoods to Rochester’s downtown, eliminating the barrier created by the Inner Loop Expressway, which was built in the 1950s and 1960s.
The project will revitalize a 1.5-mile stretch of the Inner Loop, transforming it from a grade-separated highway into a multimodal, at-grade network of streets with green spaces, bike lanes, and safer pedestrian pathways.
The project will reclaim 22 acres of land for equitable redevelopment, offering new opportunities for green space and community-oriented projects. With a $123 million investment from New York State and the City of Rochester, the Inner Loop North Transformation is expected to serve as a national model for decommissioning aging infrastructure and restoring neighborhoods once divided by urban highways.
“This is one of the largest investments in Rochester’s future, and it will help create stronger, more livable communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue to fight for projects like this, which promote growth, equity, and revitalization across New York.”
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans echoed the significance of the funding, stating, “This project will heal the damage of the past and create new opportunities for our city’s future. We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of our federal partners, who have made this possible.”
The Inner Loop North project will replace a stretch of expressway with a complete streets network, supporting multimodal transportation and fostering community engagement. The transformation follows a similar success with the Inner Loop East project, which converted a sunken expressway into an at-grade street, leading to significant private investment and neighborhood revitalization.
“This investment builds on previous work to transform Rochester’s transportation infrastructure and will lay the foundation for further economic growth,” said Congressman Morelle. “By removing this barrier, we are ensuring that all communities in Rochester have access to the opportunities they deserve.”