Ransom Road Bridge Being Replaced with New Structure

New Bridge Will Include Upgraded Safety Features and Increased Vertical Clearance

Existing Bridge Will be Closed in August for Duration of Project; Detour in Place

The New York State Thruway Authority today announced the start of a $4 million bridge replacement project on I-90 in Erie County. The Ransom Road Bridge (milepost 411.6) over the Thruway (I-90) in the Towns of Clarence and Lancaster will be replaced with a modern structure. 

“This bridge replacement project is one of many needed on the Thruway to replace aging infrastructure and modernize our transportation system,” Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said. “The Thruway invests toll dollars into infrastructure investment projects such as this one, to maintain a safe and reliable roadway for years to come.”

The current bridge was built in 1953 and is one of dozens of bridges more than 60 years old on the Thruway that need to be replaced. Approximately 4,000 motorists use the bridge daily.

The new bridge will meet current standards including increased vertical clearance over I-90 from 14’1” to 16’5”, reconstructed approaches on both sides of the bridge, and other safety upgrades.

Beginning August 2, the Ransom Road bridge will be closed to traffic for the duration of the project.

A two-mile detour will be in place. Motorists traveling east on Main Street (NY Route 5) or Genesee Street (NY Route 33) can cross the Thruway at North Millgrove Road, which is approximately two miles east of Ransom Road. Motorists traveling west on Main Street (NY Route 5) or Genesee Street (NY Route 33) can cross the Thruway at Gunville Road, which approximately two miles west of Ransom Road.

Overnight demolition work is expected to take place in August. Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns and stoppages on the Thruway during construction.
Variable Message Signs will advise motorists of the construction work and detour information.

Oakgrove Construction, Inc. of Elma, NY is the contractor for the project. Construction is expected to be complete in spring 2024. The work is weather dependent and dates are subject to change.

Motorists are reminded that in New York State, fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.  In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

The Automated Work Zone Speed Monitoring pilot program was established by legislation signed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The safety enforcement program began in April and will be in effect in various construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed enforcement will have clear signage leading up to the work zone. Motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined. Violation fines will be issued to the vehicle’s registered owner by mail. More information on the program can be found here.

For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance on the go.

Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map for real-time traffic updates and sign up for TRANSalerts for traffic information.

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