Rochester Infrastructure Bond Measure Allocates Funds for Construction Jobs and Transit Services

The Rochester mayor signed the city’s 2026 Infrastructure Bond Measure into law on July 8, directing $142 million toward road reconstruction, bridge work and expanded bus routes. The measure covers projects managed by the Rochester Department of Public Works and the Regional Transit Authority. Construction firms and maintenance crews in Monroe County will receive the first contract bids within 90 days.

The timing follows the release of the city’s updated capital budget in May, which showed a $38 million shortfall in state highway aid compared with 2024 levels. Local officials moved the bond forward to meet federal matching requirements that expire in December. The policy document lists 17 specific street segments and three transit corridors scheduled for work.

Residents who drive daily on Clinton Avenue or use Route 15 buses will see construction zones begin in September. The plan also funds 120 new full-time positions in road maintenance and vehicle repair crews. Families living near the planned transit hub at Main and Goodman streets can expect extended evening service hours once the bond projects finish in 2028.

Budget Figures and Project Breakdown

The bond document records $67 million for pavement resurfacing on 42 miles of city streets and $41 million for bridge replacements at the Genesee River crossings. Another $34 million goes to electric bus purchases and charging stations at the Central Avenue depot. City finance records show these amounts come from a mix of 30-year municipal bonds and existing sales-tax revenue already collected in 2025.

Implementation begins with a request-for-proposals process managed by the city purchasing department. The first contracts are expected to be awarded by October, with ground-breaking on the highest-priority road segments set for November. Quarterly progress reports will be posted on the city website and reviewed at public works committee meetings.