Study Goals:

Transportation improvements at Exit 31 are needed to address economic development, safety, multi-modal mobility, and roadway system linkages.

Economic Development:

Due to existing design inefficiencies, age, and traffic growth, the I-90 Exit 31 interchange and existing corridor infrastructure pose challenges for efficiently moving the traveling public to and from the Mohawk Valley Region in central New York. In turn, the interchange’s design inefficiencies and its interaction with the highway and local roadway system suppresses the conditions necessary to sustain and promote economic development activity in the study area and beyond. Based on information provided by key stakeholders and focus groups, the traveling public finds navigation difficult, avoiding the interchange and connecting roadways while seeking alternative travel routes. This affects the viability of existing businesses and limits the potential for future economic development activity and opportunity. This Study will identify proposed improvements to promote and enhance economic development in the Study Area.

Safety:

Roadway and intersection design configurations and limited sight distances for vehicles entering North Genesee Street contribute to crash rates above the statewide average. This includes the original design and build out of the I-90 Exit 31 interchange at North Genesee Street which is confusing for motorists and has not been significantly modified since it was constructed. In addition, the lack of on-street cycling infrastructure and substandard pedestrian infrastructure along North Genesee Street, Leland Avenue, Auert Avenue, and Wurz Avenue increase the potential for conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. This Study will identify proposed improvements to improve circulation and accessibility for all modes of transportation.

Multimodal Mobility:

Current pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodations limit mobility between North Utica and Downtown Utica and limit connectivity to recreational assets such as the Erie Canalway Trail / Empire State Trail. Vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists use North Genesee Street, Leland Avenue, Auert Avenue, and Wurz Avenue to travel through the area as well as access the surrounding neighborhoods. Sidewalks, crosswalks, and transit stops in the study area are generally not compliant with the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). Pedestrian traffic currently travels along paved shoulder areas along portions of Leland Avenue. In addition, there are no crosswalks to allow pedestrians to cross North Genesee Street between Auert Avenue and Wurz Avenue. There are no dedicated or shared on-street bicycle lanes along North Genesee Street, Leland Avenue, Wurz Avenue, or Auert Avenue. This Study will identify proposed improvements to increase connectivity and access for all modes of transportation.

Note: These study goals will be refined based on input from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and public.