Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a major $6.2 million preventative maintenance painting project on the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester. Published by the New York State Governor's Office on December 31, 2025, this landmark marks the first major preventative maintenance on the city's signature bridge since its opening in 2007, demonstrating New York's commitment to infrastructure preservation and regional investment.
The Douglass-Anthony bridge has become a defining symbol of Rochester's skyline, serving as a distinctive gateway into the city and drawing accolades for its architectural and structural integrity. The bridge carries over 70,000 daily travelers across the Genesee River, making its maintenance critical for the region's transportation infrastructure and economic connectivity.
Funded with support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $6.2 million project addresses wear on the bridge's three main arches and 12 supporting braces. Professional maintenance teams removed existing paint coatings and applied multiple protective layers of zinc and epoxy-based paint to ensure resilience against weather, corrosion, and structural stress.
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."
Preventative maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs or major structural rehabilitation. By addressing wear and corrosion before they become critical, the bridge receives decades of extended service life. The zinc and epoxy-based paint system provides multiple protective layers, with each coat adding durability against environmental exposure.
The bridge's distinctive architectural appearance was carefully preserved throughout the project, maintaining the aesthetic appeal that makes it a recognizable Rochester landmark. The protective coatings ensure that the bridge's structural integrity is maintained while preserving its visual character.
The bridge carries significant cultural and historical meaning in Rochester. Frederick Douglass, the world-renowned abolitionist and civil rights leader, lived much of his life in Rochester and is considered one of the city's most important historical figures. Susan B. Anthony, the pioneering women's rights advocate, was born in Rochester and spent much of her life here. The bridge's naming honors their legacies and Rochester's history as a center for social justice and civil rights activism.
The $6.2 million bridge maintenance project exemplifies how federal infrastructure investment directly benefits local communities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides federal funding for critical transportation infrastructure like bridges, supporting state and local governments in maintaining the systems that communities depend on daily.
By maintaining critical transportation infrastructure like the Douglass-Anthony bridge, New York State and federal government support daily movement of residents, visitors, and commerce through Rochester. Preventative maintenance like this project is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs or major reconstruction, extending service life while reducing long-term public expenses.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello noted: "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. 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."
The bridge project is part of a broader pattern of infrastructure investment in Rochester and Western New York through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Similar funding supports roads, bridges, public transit, and water systems that form the backbone of regional economic development. This sustained federal investment in infrastructure strengthens Rochester's position as a regional hub.
As Rochester continues to revitalize its downtown and Genesee River waterfront, maintaining iconic infrastructure like the Douglass-Anthony bridge strengthens the city's image and functionality. The bridge serves not only as critical transportation infrastructure but also as a visual symbol of Rochester's character and commitment to long-term stewardship.
With the painting project complete, the Douglass-Anthony bridge is now protected with modern coating systems designed to last through at least 2035-2040. The New York State Department of Transportation will continue routine monitoring and maintenance to ensure the bridge's ongoing safety and longevity.
This project demonstrates New York's commitment to maintaining upstate infrastructure—a critical component of regional economic development. As Rochester continues to grow and thrive, investments like this in core transportation infrastructure support the broader ecosystem of development, commerce, and community life that makes the city competitive.
For more information on New York State infrastructure projects and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding, visit the NYS Department of Transportation and the Governor's Office.
NYC construction superintendents now limited to one primary job effective January 1, 2026. Transition deadline January 1, 2027. Competent person allowance ends same date.
Buffalo Central Terminal Phase II construction reaches halfway point on $33M restoration. Concourse reopening, plaza expansion, structural stabilization advance through 2027.
Angelo Ingrassia's $46.3M Colgate Rochester Divinity development creates 136 housing units. Historic campus transformation with COMIDA tax incentives. Public hearing Jan 15, board vote Jan 20.
.svg)
