A $6.2 million preventative maintenance painting project on the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester has been completed, according to an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul. The bridge, which carries Interstate 490 over the Genesee River, underwent its first major preventative maintenance since opening in 2007. Funding for the project was provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Governor Hochul stated, “This work on the Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge ensures that it will continue to serve as a gateway into the City of Rochester and carry residents and visitors across the Genesee River well into the future. The soaring arches of this award-winning bridge remind us that ambitious infrastructure projects can contribute to a community’s prosperity, resilience, safety and pride, as the bridge also draws attention to the city’s rich legacy as the home of pioneering civil rights leaders Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.”
The maintenance involved removing paint from three main arches and twelve braces before applying several coats of zinc and epoxy-based paint designed to protect against wear and corrosion. The color of the bridge remains unchanged, with expectations that this new coating will last between ten to fifteen years before another application is needed.
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez commented, “I am very grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for investing in New York’s historically significant infrastructure like the iconic Douglass-Anthony Memorial Bridge, a signature structure along Rochester’s skyline that exemplifies how infrastructure can be utilized to positively define our communities, honor our history and bring pride to our residents. This project will help maintain the bridge so that the thousands of people who use the bridge daily will continue to be safely served while also honoring the legacy and contributions of two outstanding citizens – Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.”
The current bridge replaced the Troup-Howell Bridge after more than fifty years in service as part of a broader effort by New York State Department of Transportation’s Western Gateway I-490 project aimed at modernizing sections between Erie Canal and Genesee River. Construction lasted approximately four years; traffic began using it on June 18, 2007, with its official renaming taking place on July 13 that year.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello added: “The Frederick Douglass–Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of unity and progress, physically and figuratively linking our community to the legacies of Rochester’s most iconic civil rights pioneers. As a gateway for over 70,000 daily travelers, this landmark is essential to our city’s movement, and the completed renovation ensures it will remain a safe and striking fixture of our skyline for generations to come. We are grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul for her support of our community and dedication to essential infrastructure projects like this one that keep New York moving forward.”
The New York State Department of Transportation maintains its mission is providing a safe transportation system supporting economic well-being across New York State.
