Further studies of Route 531 extension likely

The first step in what could prove to be a long project was taken when the federal government announced it will likely spend $5.8 million on a study to lengthen Route 531. The extension has been a project that has been talked about for decades, officials said.

Representative Thomas Reynolds said the federal government has committed to studying the extension of Route 531 about six miles west from Route 36 to Redman Road in Sweden. Estimated costs for the project could reach more than $70 million. Reynolds said it is an important first step to complete a part of the west-side expressway.

"I'm encouraged by the attention we are getting with regards to the extension of Route 531," Village of Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela said. "It's clear that the increased traffic on that thoroughfare has necessitated the completion of this study and ultimately the construction of the extension. I want to thank Congressman Reynolds' office for allocating the money for the study and I look forward to working with his office and with the Department of Transportation to bring this proposal to reality."

The last section of Route 531, completed in 1994, ends at Route 36 (Washington Street) in Ogden and has been expanding since the 1960s. For years talk has revolved around expanding Route 531 as a way to ease traffic congestion on Route 31, leading into Brockport.

"I'm excited that the state is committed to doing a thorough study of the proposed extension of Route 531," Town of Sweden Supervisor Nat O. Lester, III said. "But residents should realize that the actual funding for this road is yet to be secured. We have to wait for this study to be completed before we know what all the potential impacts will be."

A preliminary environmental and engineering study of the proposed expansion would be completed with the $5.8 million. Chuck Moynihan, regional director of the New York State Department of Transportation, said that traffic counts on Route 31 between Washington Street and Redman Road have been increasing by three or four percent a year and could reach capacity as soon as 2015. Close to 23,000 vehicles a day travel that stretch of road, up from 19,000 vehicles a day in 1997.

"The economic growth of the community depends on individuals having easy access to other major expressways and the thruway," Moynihan said.