New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Joan McDonald announced that work has begun on an $11.2 million highway improvement project on the NY Route 33 (Kensington Expressway) in the city of Buffalo and town of Cheektowaga in Erie County.

“A highway project to improve the Kensington Expressway, which serves as a high volume commuter route and commercial conduit, is vital to both the motorists and the economic vitality of the surrounding communities,” said McDonald.

The highway improvement project includes resurfacing the Kensington Expressway from the Elm-Oak arterial to NY Route 240 (Harlem Road). The on and off ramps on this 6-mi. (9.6 km) stretch of expressway also will be resurfaced. Drainage improvements will be made, and the traffic signs on the expressway will be replaced.

Construction work on the Kensington Expressway will be managed to meet the objectives of Gov. Cuomo’s Driver’s First Initiative; to prioritize the convenience of motorists and ensure that traffic disruptions are as minimal as possible. Work on the paving project requiring significant lane restrictions will be conducted primarily at night. Posted detours will be monitored to ensure good traffic flow and lane closures will be targeted during off-peak traffic hours.

The construction contract was awarded to Concrete Applied Technology Corporation (CATCO) of Alden, Erie County. The project is scheduled to be completed by late summer of 2014.

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