PERINTON, N.Y. (WROC) – Phase two of the major bridge replacement project along 490 near exit 27 is slated to begin soon, and many businesses in Bushnell’s Basin are preparing.
The team at the Fruit and Salad Company on Pittsford-Victor Road has been presented with many obstacles as a result of last year’s construction, which resulted in a partial closure of exit 27.
Co-owner Bob Bryant said they are still recovering from the impact it had on them and now is worried about the impact of the upcoming construction.
“It’s been a horrible year, the last 12 months have been very difficult for us,” Bryant said. ” (Our customers) were complaining about how difficult it was to get around, and it did have a negative impact on our business.”
This year, the New York State Department of Transportation plans to replace the west bound bridges on the expressway over Kreag Road. Because of this, crews will redirect traffic in both directions to the east bound lanes and implement zipper merges to condense lanes. The pattern will be similar to what was implemented during the 2025 construction season.
The Basin Pub’s owner Michael Puccia worries this will cause more motorists to drive through Bushnell’s Basin to avoid the construction and therefore cause delays. He explained this is what happened during the 2025 season.
“Traffic was brutal when this all started,” Puccia said. “But we are very fortunate it hasn’t affected our business that much.”
Many business owners worry the traffic will deter prospective customers from visiting Bushnell’s Basin but are trying to stay optimistic.
At the Salvatore’s Old-Fashioned Pizzeria of Bushnell’s Basin, which opened in August, manager Roxanne Mandell sees the influx of traffic as a positive.
“I think the traffic will be good for us, hopefully people will see our signs by the road and come in,” Mandell said.
Bryant and other employees who work in Bushnell’s Basin hope to see construction completed more quickly than last year.
“I hope they’re diligent and don’t have any shortages of materials,” Bryant said.
According to their project plan, the DOT expects the 490 bridge replacement project to be completed by Fall 2027. You can learn more about the project by clicking here.
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