New York Construction Report staff writer
The City of Rochester received two ‘project of the year’ awards from the Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association at their 39th Annual Awards Banquet last month.
The awards, granted for West River Wall improvements at the Genesee River and the East Main Street reconstruction project, recognize “excellent management, administration, and implementation of public works projects”.
“East Main and the West River Wall are just two of the many initiatives we’ve begun to enhance the functionality, beauty, and equity of our city spaces,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “The City of Rochester thanks the APWA for its recognition of the continued investments we’re making to improve our city for all.”
The West River Wall Improvements at The North Star Commons were completed in 2023. Part of the ROC the Riverway Initiative, the project focused on improving flood protection, enhancing public recreation spaces, and improving the visual and physical connections along our waterfront.
The area now has a 500-foot-long naturalized shoreline, public spaces with pedestrian amenities, and bicycle lanes along Exchange Boulevard, among other additions.
Project partners included Bergmann Associates; the New York State Canal Corporation; Ramsey Constructors; Lu Engineers; Popli, Architecture + Engineering; and Atlantic Testing Laboratories.
The second award was for reconstruction of East Main Street between North Goodman Street and Culver Road which included installation of protected one-way bicycle lanes, pedestrian safety measures like shorter street crossings, and improved aesthetics features. The project involved extensive utility work, new pavement, and landscaping.
Work was completed in partnership with Villager Construction, Inc.; Erdman Anthony; Lu Engineers; Environmental Design & Research; and Bergman Associates. Funding partners include the State of New York, Monroe County, and Rochester Gas & Electric.
