The Government of New York in the US has started work on a community revitalisation project along the Route 5S corridor (Oriskany Street) in Utica.

A part of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Complete Streets initiative, the $16.6m project aims to increase safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians along this busy corridor.

Cuomo said: “Upgrading the Route 5S corridor will enhance a major entrance to Utica and its neighbourhoods, while improving safety for all travellers.

“We will continue to invest in improvement projects like this, helping to rejuvenate communities, support local businesses and make New York an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

The scope of the project includes realigning the roadway, reducing driving lanes, building a roundabout at the intersection of Route 5S and John Street, as well as adding bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“Improving Route 5S is another smart investment that will promote mobility while also creating jobs, supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life.”

Enhancing accessibility for disabled people, a 0.7-mile extension from Broadway to Broad Street, reconfiguration of multiple intersections and upgrade of traffic lights also form part of the project.

Furthermore, the project will include beautifying the landscape with 11 varieties of trees and 250 shrubs, with more than 9,000 plantings in total.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Paul Karas said: “Governor Cuomo knows that sound transportation supports healthy communities.

“Improving Route 5S is another smart investment that will promote mobility while also creating jobs, supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life.”

In 2011, Cuomo signed a law which requires the state and local transportation agencies to design ‘Complete Streets’ to make safe and equally accessible streets and roadways across New York.