New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction has started on a $12.2 million project to improve drainage systems along State Route 54A in the Town of Urbana just north of the Village of Hammondsport, Steuben County.
Crews will install new drainage and other enhancements to bolster the roadway’s ability to withstand heavy rains and help prevent disruptions during severe weather. State Route 54A runs along the west side of Keuka Lake and provides access to many popular destinations in the Finger Lakes Region.
The project, which is being funded with state funds and a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a pre-disaster mitigation grant, will install a five-mile-long, closed drainage system that utilizes catch basins and corrugated lateral pipes to improve stormwater runoff and surface flows into Keuka Lake. It will also intercept groundwater in advance of the roadway, which will help fortify slope stability. New curbing will also be added to help with stormwater flows and the roadway will be repaved with a fresh layer of asphalt, smoothing travel for motorists.
Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2025 and the work zone will be removed during winter months.
“Steuben County thanks the Governor and New York State Department of Transportation for funding this important project,” said Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler. “We have witnessed multiple flash flood events over the past decade plus that that have impacted State Route 54A, resulting in property damage and travel disruptions.
“This needed investment will better protect Keuka Lake, our homeowners, and our many visitors.”
