Mayor Evans celebrates Rochester’s commitment to safe and multimodal transportation

Rochester, New York – In a celebration of engineering prowess, two pivotal Rochester infrastructure projects were honored at the prestigious 8th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala hosted by the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York. The event, which took place in New York City on Saturday, April 5, 2025, spotlighted the remarkable achievements in urban development and design that enhance city life.

The first accolade, a Platinum award in the transportation category, was bestowed upon LaBella Associates, D.P.C. for their transformative work on the State Street Reconstruction Project. This extensive initiative involved a comprehensive overhaul of State Street, stretching from Basin Street to the Inner Loop.

The project included widening the pavement to accommodate traffic better, alongside significant enhancements such as curb adjustments, the addition of bump outs at intersections for pedestrian safety, and new sidewalks. Furthermore, improvements were made to driveway aprons, street lighting, drainage basins, and traffic signals, complemented by fresh pavement markings, signage, and aesthetic landscape treatments.

Meanwhile, Erdman, Anthony and Associates, Inc. clinched a Gold award for their outstanding efforts on the South Avenue and Elmwood Avenue Reconstruction Project. This project was notable for its inclusion of a new cycle track along key sections of South and Elmwood Avenues, promoting safer and more accessible biking options. The comprehensive revamp involved full-depth pavement reconstruction, the installation of new sidewalks, updated traffic signals, and enhanced pedestrian crossings at mid-block points. Additional features included new hydrants, lighting, signage, and a hydrodynamic separator designed to remove sediment from stormwater using gravity—a boon for environmental conservation.

Rochester’s Mayor Malik D. Evans lauded the projects, emphasizing their alignment with the city’s aim to bolster a multimodal transportation network. “Everyone — residents and visitors alike — deserves to be safe when travelling in our community, whether they’re driving, walking or biking,” said Mayor Evans. He highlighted that these projects are not only a reflection of the city’s commitment to safety and inclusivity but also enhance the overall quality of life in Rochester.

The mayor also extended his gratitude to the engineers, city staff, and the teams at LaBella Associates and Erdman, Anthony and Associates, acknowledging their dedication and hard work. “These projects align perfectly with our goals to upgrade Rochester’s transportation infrastructure to be multimodal, and these awards are a testament to our commitment to making Rochester the best city it can be,” he added, underscoring the city’s dedication to creating spaces that are safe, enjoyable, and designed to meet the needs of all its residents.

These awards underscore Rochester’s forward-thinking approach to urban planning and development, setting a benchmark for other cities aiming to upgrade their infrastructure in ways that cater to the needs of diverse populations while promoting environmental sustainability.