A $6.2 million preventative maintenance painting project on the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester has been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The bridge, which carries Interstate 490 over the Genesee River, underwent its first major maintenance since opening in 2007. Funding for the project came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Governor Hochul stated, “This work on the Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge ensures that it will continue to serve as a gateway into the City of Rochester and carry residents and visitors across the Genesee River well into the future. The soaring arches of this award-winning bridge remind us that ambitious infrastructure projects can contribute to a community’s prosperity, resilience, safety and pride, as the bridge also draws attention to the city’s rich legacy as the home of pioneering civil rights leaders Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.”
The maintenance involved removing old paint from three main arches and twelve braces before applying multiple coats of zinc and epoxy-based paint. These coatings are designed to protect against corrosion and wear, with expectations that they will last 10-15 years before another application is needed. The color of the bridge was not changed during this process.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “I am very grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for investing in New York’s historically significant infrastructure like the iconic Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge, a signature structure along Rochester’s skyline that exemplifies how infrastructure can be utilized to positively define our communities, honor our history and bring pride to our residents. This project will help maintain the bridge so that the thousands of people who use the bridge daily will continue to be safely served while also honoring the legacy and contributions of two outstanding citizens – Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.”
The current bridge replaced an older structure known as Troup-Howell Bridge after serving for more than fifty years. Construction began as part of efforts by New York State’s Department of Transportation Western Gateway I-490 project aimed at modernizing key interstate sections between Erie Canal and Genesee River; it opened for traffic on June 18, 2007.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello commented on its significance: “The Frederick Douglass–Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of unity and progress, physically and figuratively linking our community to the legacies of Rochester’s most iconic civil rights pioneers. As a gateway for over 70,000 daily travelers, this landmark is essential to our city’s movement, and the completed renovation ensures it will remain a safe and striking fixture of our skyline for generations to come. We are grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her support of our community and dedication to essential infrastructure projects like this one that keep New York moving forward.”
The Department of Transportation maintains its mission is focused on providing safe transportation systems connecting communities throughout New York State.
For travel updates or more information about state transportation initiatives or services such as real-time traffic conditions or mobile applications visit www.511NY.org.
