Rochester, NY — 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, which carries Interstate 490 over the Genesee River in Rochester, Monroe County. Published by the New York State Governor's Office on December 26, 2025, this milestone marks the first major preventative maintenance on the city's iconic bridge since its opening in 2007.
The Douglass-Anthony bridge has become a defining symbol of Rochester's skyline, serving as a gateway into the city and drawing accolades for its structural integrity and visual appeal. The bridge carries over 70,000 daily travelers across the Genesee River, making its maintenance critical for the region's transportation infrastructure.
Funded with support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this $6.2 million project addresses wear on the bridge's three main arches and 12 braces. Workers removed existing paint and applied multiple coats of zinc and epoxy-based paint to ensure resilience against the elements.
The advanced coatings applied during this project will:
The bridge's distinctive color was preserved throughout the project, maintaining the aesthetic appeal that makes it a recognizable landmark. 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 Douglass-Anthony bridge replaced the previous Troup-Howell bridge, a multi-girder structure that had served the community for more than 50 years. The current bridge was constructed as part of the Department of Transportation's Western Gateway I-490 project, which rehabilitated and modernized the interstate between the Erie Canal and the Genesee River.
Built over approximately four years, the bridge opened to traffic on June 18, 2007, and was officially renamed the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge on July 13, 2007. The renaming honored two of Rochester's most important civil rights pioneers.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello noted the bridge's importance: "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."
This project exemplifies how federal infrastructure investment directly benefits local communities. By maintaining critical transportation infrastructure like the Douglass-Anthony bridge, New York State and the federal government support the daily movement of residents, visitors, and commerce through Rochester.
The bridge's condition directly impacts Rochester's economy, supporting traffic flow, tourism, and regional connectivity. Preventative maintenance like this $6.2 million project is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs or major reconstruction, extending the bridge's service life while reducing long-term public expenses.
The project also demonstrates New York's commitment to maintaining upstate infrastructure, a critical component of regional economic development. 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.
With this 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 safety and longevity.
This project is part of a broader pattern of infrastructure investment in Rochester and Western New York. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has funded similar projects across the region, supporting roads, bridges, public transit, and water systems that form the backbone of upstate New York's economy.
For Rochester residents and businesses, the completed Douglass-Anthony bridge project represents more than a maintenance milestone — it's a commitment to preserving one of the city's most iconic and functionally critical assets. Learn more about New York State infrastructure projects at NYS DOT and visit the Governor's infrastructure initiatives.
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