Strong in Brighton in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Genesee Expressway
Yes, it looks like an ordinary highway. But Interstate 390, also known as the "Genesee Expressway” has an impressive family history.
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways is the root of this expressway's family tree, better known as the Interstate Highway System. It was born from the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 under President Eisenhower. Since that time almost 48,000 miles of highways have been built across the country, and has been rightly called "The Greatest Public Works Project in History.”
But this expressway almost became a "black sheep” of the family. There was strong citizen opposition to a highway bisecting historic Genesee Valley Park. A variety of options were suggested, even an underground tunnel. The ultimate solution was an aesthetically pleasing viaduct, where the expressway flies over the heart of the park, maintaining and enhancing access to this important green space. The conflict taught transportation professionals to develop partnerships with citizens and the community, a philosophy used extensively today.
The Genesee Expressway at 71 miles in length, is a comparatively short Interstate highway with a very important role in our Region's transportation system. It provides a cultural and economic connection to the nation while providing emergency access in times of need.
Erected 2015 by New York State Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1956.
Location. 43° 6.972′ N, 77° 37.947′ W. Marker is in Brighton, New York, in Monroe County. It is in Strong. Marker is on Kendrick Road, on the left when traveling west. At the bridge over I-390. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester NY 14620, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lehigh Valley Railroad Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Is this the Erie Canal? (within shouting distance of this marker); The Canalway Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Olmsted and Genesee Valley Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Empire State Trail (approx. ¼ mile away); Camp Hillhouse (approx. half a mile away); Clara Barton Red Cross Trail (approx. half a mile away); Curtis Point (approx. half a mile away).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. This page has been viewed 342 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 6, 2019, by Steve Stoessel of Niskayuna, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.