City of Rochester
News Release
(Tuesday, April 12, 2022) – The City of Rochester was
established and flourished at the confluence of the Genesee River and Erie
Canal. The historic assets remain – miles of downtown riverfront, the Genesee Riverway Trail, and the remnants of the Erie Canal
aqueduct.
Today, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans and New York State’s
Regional Director of Empire State Development Vinnie Esposito announced the
start of the long-discussed plan to further reinvigorate downtown by developing
its historic aqueduct and connecting and expanding the Riverway
Trail.
“Aqueduct Reimagined ties together so many assets that are
unique to Rochester,” said Mayor Evans. “With the support of New York State, a
vision created from years of study and ideation, and the input of our
community, we are going to make this project a long-awaited reality.
The keystone of dozens of active ROC the Riverway projects, Aqueduct Reimagined is the largest
in cost and scope, and will take more than five years to complete.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President
& CEO-designate Hope Knight said, “Aqueduct Reimagined will maximize New
York State’s $50 million ROC the Riverway
investments, which are transforming the Rochester waterfront along the
beautiful Genesee River. This project will also catalyze the rebirth of the
city's center, further fueling economic momentum for the entire Finger Lakes
region.”
N.Y. State has committed $9.5 million for Aqueduct
Reimagined to-date, which will be administered by the N.Y. State Dept. of
Transportation.
Street network improvements will begin in Spring 2023, and
Phase One construction, including structural improvements, relocation of
utilities in the aqueduct, and the removal of part of the vehicular deck of the
Broad Street Bridge, will begin in Fall 2023 and continue through 2024.
The project will include a significant amount of public
input to inform the final plans for the public space that will be created on
what is currently Broad Street. The project’s Community Advisory Committee will
begin its regular meetings this week, and the City’s first public information
session, which will include interactive stations and walking tours, will be
held on Saturday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Officials anticipate Phase Two construction to begin in
2025, with the complete removal of the Broad Street vehicular deck, bringing
the grade level with the original Erie Canal towpaths and creating an iconic
public space that embodies the community’s wishes. This phase will include
completing the connections of the Genesee Riverway
Trail along the riverfront through Downtown Rochester.
For more information about Aqueduct Reimagined, visit www.ROCtheAqueduct.com.
###
Video B-Roll here: https://cityofrochester.sharefile.com/d-s38009d10174341f09aad8cf2c90f419d