County Executive Poloncarz joined by Congressman Higgins, Commissioner of Public Works Bill Geary to review completed work on Wehrle Drive in Amherst

Numerous projects underway or completed countywide as part of over $44 million infrastructure investment in 2022; significant federal investment aids in $3.3 million Wehrle project

ERIE COUNTY, NY—The Erie County Department of Public Works’ Highways Division has announced the near-completion of the design and resurfacing of Wehrle Drive from Harlem Road to Aero Drive in the Town of Amherst, as well as milling and paving of parts of Wehrle in the Town of Clarence. This $3.35 million project included milling and resurfacing nearly 2.5 miles of roadway between Harlem and Aero as well as other improvements.  Pedestrian and bicycle accommodations have been improved with the construction of a minimum 4-foot wide shoulder and connecting sidewalks to the shoulders, while sidewalk ramps were replaced to meet current ADA guidelines.  To improve safety and capacity, new dedicated left turn lanes have been added at the Forest/Beach intersection and a new slip ramp installed at Aero Drive. Concrete pavement at the Cayuga Drive intersection was also replaced with an asphalt paving section. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined Congressman Brian Higgins and Public Works Commissioner Bill Geary to review the project.

“The improvements to Wehrle Drive will be appreciated not only by motorists but by pedestrians and cyclists too, with the addition of wider shoulders, connecting sidewalks and other safety measures to make this stretch of road easier to navigate for all. This $3.3 million investment is powered by a significant federal investment and is just a part of my administration’s overall $44 million road work program for 2022,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank Congressman Higgins, along with President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Schumer, for making infrastructure investments such as this possible and supporting communities like Erie County as we provide residents with the best roads possible.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “The complete reconstruction of a large section of Wehrle Drive makes needed enhancements to the deteriorated roadway, improves safety with new turning lanes and intersection features, and continues region-wide efforts to expand multi-modal access with new sidewalks and widened shoulders that better accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. This $3.3 million infrastructure investment in Amherst, led by Erie County Executive Poloncarz, and funded with nearly $2.5 million in federal aid will have a lasting impact on the busy business corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.”