As gateways for residents and Buffalo Bills fans traveling to Highmark Stadium, Abbott and Willett Roads had begun to show their age, with cracked pavement, faded striping and outdated infrastructure threatening safety. Erie County responded with a comprehensive rehabilitation to restore the corridors, protect travelers and strengthen community connections.
Client
Erie County Department of Public Works
Location
Orchard Park, New York
Total Project Cost
$7.7 M
Project Type
Roadways
Completed
2025
Services
Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering
Key Contact
Matthew Smullen
Photographer
Shutts Productions
Our Infrastructure Practice team was engaged to lead this effort, beginning with milling and resurfacing to eliminate wear and deliver a smooth, durable driving surface. New pavement markings improved visibility and traffic flow, while ADA-compliant curb ramps at select intersections created more accessible routes for pedestrians.
Beneath the surface, we implemented one of the project’s most innovative upgrades: renewing the storm sewer system while avoiding excavation. Aging corrugated metal pipes—many rusted and failing—were lined with a cured-in-place (CIPP) synthetic liner. Once heat-cured, the liner formed a seamless interior pipe that sealed out moisture, reinforced structural integrity and extended the system’s service life by decades; all without the disruption or cost of full replacement.
This approach delivered major and reduced long-term maintenance needs, providing lasting economic and environmental benefits. Construction was carefully scheduled through the summer, with work adjusted as needed to uphold operations during Buffalo Bills home games and other major events.
The result is a more resilient pair of roadways that augment mobility for everyone, from daily commuters to game-day visitors. Through strategic planning and close coordination with local stakeholders, the 2.7-mile rehabilitation stands as a model of how smart investment can bolster interconnectivity and enhance the life of critical public assets.
