Bridge Design and Interchange Improvements
Take a look at the award-winning NYSDOT Region 4 project that brought comprehensive bridge design and other improvements to the I-390 at I-490 interchange, which connects the region’s centers of economic activity.
THE PROJECT
The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) selected Cold Spring Construction, along with Erdman Anthony as lead design engineer, to implement phases 3 and 4 of the I-390 interchange improvements at I-490 in Gates, New York.
The interchange connects nearly 200,000 daily motorists to local centers of economic activity, including the airport, key technology and manufacturing parks, and downtown. Prior to any improvements, traffic backups and safety issues were prevalent. In addition, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations were lacking on Lyell Avenue west of I-390.
FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
The work included several improvements within and around the interchange, including:
• Constructing four new bridges
• Replacing an overpass bridge
• Cleaning and painting of an overpass railroad bridge
• Installing new embankment
• Rehabilitating pavement
• Adding enhanced expressway lighting
• New traffic signal installations
• New noise walls
• Reconstructing a portion of nearby Lyell Avenue
Phase three encompassed the addition of an exit-only lane on I-390 to Chili Avenue, and the construction of the new I-390 flyover that allows southbound through traffic to travel above the busy interchange.
The design-build team modified preliminary designs by lengthening three bridges. The new 525’ long three span curved girder integral abutment and twin 400’ long two-span jointless bridges with a common monolithic tower abutment decreased the amount of fill needed for the project.
Furthermore, the aging Buffalo Road bridge over I-390 was replaced with a modern bridge to accommodate the new traffic pattern, and nearly 15,000 feet of new concrete sound walls were added.
Phase four widened and resurfaced the roadway along Lyell Avenue between Route 390 and Howard Road, including the installation of new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, and drainage systems in the corridor.
IMPACTS
The completed project has revitalized deteriorated infrastructure, increased safety throughout the project area, minimized congestion, reduced travel times, and reduced impacts to neighboring properties. Specifically, vehicular conflicts caused by weaving traffic patterns were reduced and noise abatement was achieved.
Improvements to nearby Lyell Avenue employ a Complete Streets approach to benefit safer travel for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Coordination efforts among the design team, Cold Spring, NYSDOT, and NYSDOT’s reviewers resulted in shortening the anticipated project duration by 10 months.
 | Sustainable Design Impact Gas-guzzling idling and tie-ups are now far less common at the interchange due to its improved design, and the design-build team’s decision to lengthen three bridges instead of bringing in a massive amount of fill reduced truck emissions during construction. |
Awards
2021 Genesee Valley Branch APWA Project of the Year Award
Transportation (>$75 Million Dollar) Category
ABCD Western New York Chapter
2022 Bridge Award over $10 Million
2023 ACEC Engineering Excellence
National Recognition Award
2023 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Diamond Award
Category H: Transportation