$62M Transformative Project on North Genesee Street in Utica

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work is underway on a $62 million transformation of North Genesee Street in City of Utica, the centerpiece of which will be the replacement of the 61-year-old bridges over the Mohawk River and Erie Canal and the installation of new 10-foot shared-use paths along both sides of North Genesee Street from Wurz Avenue to the interchange with the New York State Thruway. Once completed, the new and improved corridor will safely allow pedestrians and cyclists to access the Empire State Trail from Downtown Utica and enhance safety and mobility for all users of the road, making the North Genesee Street corridor a more accessible and welcoming gateway into the city for both residents and visitors.

Over the past decade, the State Department of Transportation has delivered multiple projects that have changed the way people travel in and around Utica, including the completion of the Utica Arterial Project, the State Route 5S safety and revitalization project, and the Bagg’s Square/Harbor Point project. This project on North Genesee Street is a continuation of these transformative investments within the City.

“This investment reflects our commitment to providing the City of Utica with a safe and modern transportation network that supports the continued economic revival of the Mohawk Valley,” Governor Hochul said. “In addition to the new bridges, key safety improvements along North Genesee Street will reduce crashes and improve traffic flow along this vital corridor, making it safer and more inviting for residents and visitors alike. This development will revitalize the northern gateway into The Handshake City and provide a safe and smooth experience for everyone who uses this roadway.”

The nickname “The Handshake City” celebrates Utica's reputation for friendly, welcoming residents who are known for their warm handshakes and hospitality and this $62 million project will create an entrance into Downtown Utica that will live up to that moniker. The modern structures replacing the two 61-year-old bridges over the Mohawk River and Erie Canal have been designed to minimize long-term maintenance and repair costs.

The bridges have also been designed to recognize the importance of safe and shared usage of New York State’s transportation network with the installation of new 10-foot shared-use paths along both sides of North Genesee Street. These paths will run from the interchange with the New York State Thruway to Wurz Avenue, connecting to the shared-path NYSDOT built from Wurz Avenue to Downtown Utica in 2021. That path began as part of a previous project to help make Downtown Utica a better place to live, work, and play by making roadways safer and more accommodating for all users. This new path will allow for the seamless and safe connection to the Empire State Trail from Downtown Utica for pedestrians and cyclists.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and vision, New York has invested over $150 million in infrastructure projects in the City of Utica over the last decade. We know this project will create an amazing gateway into the City, one that is safer and flows smoother for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists and it will greatly enhance one of the most important corridors in the Mohawk Valley. For motorists, it will better connect Downtown Utica with the New York Thruway and for pedestrians and cyclists, it will provide a safer and more welcoming connection to and from Downtown Utica with the world-renowned Empire State Trail.”

In addition to the bridge replacements and creation of the shared-use paths, the project will address overall traffic conditions in the area to enhance safety for all users and improve traffic flow. These improvements will reduce crashes and improve access to businesses along North Genesee Street. They include the creation of left turn lanes at crucial intersections to help traffic flow smoother and the installation of several new traffic signals at key crossings, along with new crosswalks and pedestrian countdown timers, to enhance vehicle and pedestrian safety. The project will also install the region’s first pedestrian hybrid beacon as this corridor is heavily utilized by pedestrians. Pedestrian hybrid beacons, which are only activated by pedestrians when needed, have been proven to significantly reduce pedestrian crashes making roadways safer for everyone.

Aesthetic improvements will be made throughout the project, including landscaping and new lighting to enhance community appeal and safety. Other work included in this project includes improved drainage, sign replacement, new curbs and sidewalks, and milling and paving the roadway. Access points to businesses along the corridor are also being enhanced to conform with modern traffic safety standards to create a safer flow of traffic for motorists as they enter and exit this heavily utilized roadway.

The project will be completed in stages with traffic flow maintained and no official detour in place. Additionally, pedestrian and cyclist access to the Empire State Trail will be maintained throughout construction. Work is expected to be finished by December 2028.

This project is partially funded by the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. NYSDOT received an award of $18.2 million to enable the project to move forward. This program was designed to help improve and support projects that have significant local and regional impacts.

Senator Charles Schumer said, “North Genesee Street is a vital gateway to downtown Utica. That’s why four years ago, I personally called then-Transportation Secretary Buttigieg and successfully convinced him to invest in the City of Utica. Projects like this $18.2 million federal investment are exactly what I had in mind when I led the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law to passage. With safer bridges, good-paying construction jobs, and improved busing, bike lanes, and access to outdoor recreation, we are building a brighter future for Utica and the Mohawk Valley. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting federal dollars to good use and will always fight to ensure Utica’s transportation infrastructure will meet its economic growth.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Well-maintained infrastructure is critical to enhance safety, improve the flow of traffic, and foster mobility. This transportation project is a win for the city of Utica and all of the Mohawk Valley. I'm proud that $18 million in federal grant funding is going toward this project, and I will keep working to bring in federal dollars to help get New Yorkers where they need to go."

Representative John W. Mannion said, “North Genesee Street is the gateway to downtown Utica, and this $62 million project will make the corridor safer, more accessible, and better connected for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Replacing the old, outdated bridges over the Mohawk River and Erie Canal and creating a direct connection to the Empire State Trail will strengthen Utica’s infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents and visitors. The $18 million federal RAISE grant helps make transformative upgrades like this possible, and I commend Governor Hochul for continuing to invest in Utica and the Mohawk Valley.”

State Senator Joseph A. Griffo said, “Investing in and rehabilitating our infrastructure is an important endeavor. This project will enhance safety and mobility for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, improve accessibility to downtown Utica and attractions and businesses in the area, and boost tourism and economic opportunities in the region.”

Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon said, “North Genesee Street has always been a gateway into Downtown Utica, and this $62 million investment will make sure it's one that can help to drive our city into the future. Replacing bridges that have served us for over six decades, expanding safe paths for pedestrians and cyclists, and improving traffic flow for the businesses along this corridor will support the continued growth we're seeing in Downtown Utica and throughout the City overall. This project builds on years of both State and Federal infrastructure investment in our community, and I want to thank Governor Hochul, Commissioner Dominguez, and the NYSDOT Regional team for recognizing that Utica's momentum deserves this historic level of investment.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “Investments like this are about more than replacing aging infrastructure, they are about building the connections that will move our community forward for decades to come. The North Genesee Street corridor is an important gateway into Utica and a critical connection between our downtown, neighborhoods and the Empire State Trail. This project will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists while creating a more welcoming and accessible entrance to our city. We appreciate the state’s continued investment in Oneida County and its commitment to strengthening the infrastructure that supports our residents, businesses and visitors.”

City of Utica Mayor Michael P. Galime said, “New York State bridges are an often forgotten part of our aging infrastructure. Combining these rebuilds with the improvements needed to connect North Utica and the Empire State trail to the whole of Utica with a seamless pedestrian pathway. Many thanks to the Governor and the DOT for their planning and execution on this project.”

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