Route 60 to get $5 million upgrade

FALCONER -- A long-fought effort to secure critically needed state funding for safety upgrades to Chautauqua County's high volume Route 60 has been successful, announced State Senator Catharine Young at a press conference in Jamestown Friday. Flanked by state and county officials, Senator Young confirmed that $5 million in capital transportation funding that the Senate secured in the 2017-18 budget has been allocated for widening of traffic lanes at strategic locations between Gerry and Cassadaga."The Route 60 corridor is a major thoroughfare and Chautauqua County's primary north-south connector, averaging 6,700 vehicles per day. Yet, with only a single lane in either direction and speed limits that range up to 55 mph, the road has become the most dangerous in the county, with a high rate of accidents and fatalities," said Senator Young.

"Even one preventable accident is too many. With partnership and support from county officials and Assemblyman Goodell, I made securing state funding for Route 60 improvements a high priority. The $5 million earmarked for this project is the first step towards creating the safer and more accessible roadway that our residents need and deserve," said Senator Young. "With over 6,700 vehicles traveling Route 60 on a daily basis, this road is one of the most important transportation links in our county, connecting the Jamestown area with the Dunkirk/Fredonia area," said Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. "Traffic data from NYS DOT indicates that 30 percent of the traffic, on average, is traveling below the speed limit. Upgrading the highway by providing more passing lanes and other enhancements will increase safety, improve traffic flow and reduce frustration. I was very pleased to support Senator Young's efforts to get critical funding for the project through the state budget."

The Route 60 corridor is a 33-mile section of highway that connects the New York State Thruway/Interstate Route 90 to Jamestown/Interstate Route 86 and its environs. The 12-mile stretch from Gerry to Cassadaga features just a single lane in each direction, which creates bottlenecks and frequent accidents. Records from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office indicate that there have been 82 fatalities since 1972.

"Our officers have witnessed firsthand the tragic aftermath of many of the accidents that have occurred on Route 60. We are grateful to Senator Young for spearheading the effort to secure this funding and look forward to the safety improvements it will provide," said Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace.

The project will encompass selective widening of traffic lanes and creation of passing zones in strategic locations between Gerry and Cassadaga to ease traffic flow and prevent congestion, improving overall safety.

Municipal leaders from across Chautauqua County have also cited the project's importance to the area's growing economic development efforts. It was a top recommendation of the County's 2011 Comprehensive Plan and an annual recommendation in Southern Tier West's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. The improved access that will result from the project will support the growth in the tourism and hospitality industry including the increased activity generated by the new National Comedy Center in Jamestown.

"Route 60 is the main highway connecting northern and southern Chautauqua County. I applaud Senator Young and Assemblyman Goodell for securing this major safety upgrade which has been a top priority for improving our transportation infrastructure," said Chautauqua County Executive Vincent Horrigan "As we experience continued economic growth this Route 60 project will ensure that our residents, visitors and businesses are able to travel safely and efficiently in order to keep Chautauqua County "On the move!"

"I'd like to thank Senator Young and everyone who contributed to this effort. The safety and integrity of Route 60 and all of our roadways is of paramount importance," said George Spanos, director of Public Facilities for Chautauqua County. "This is a great achievement and one that will have a profound, tangible impact on the safety and quality of life in the county."

As a state road, the New York State Department of Transportation will be managing the design, bidding and construction improvements to Route 60.