Big relief for drivers — I-490 through Perinton has been fully reopened, but don’t get too comfortable just yet. The State Department of Transportation announced Thursday that every lane on I-490 between exit 26 (the Pittsford/Palmyra access) and exit 27 (Bushnell’s Basin) is now open to traffic after months of restrictions. But here's where it gets controversial: the DOT says this opening is temporary, and work will resume during the 2026 construction season. Some people see this as progress; others say it’s only a brief pause in ongoing disruption.
A bit of background for anyone who doesn’t follow roadwork closely: for the past months that stretch of I-490 had been squeezed down to a single lane in each direction while crews replaced a bridge as part of a roughly $60 million project. That lane reduction was intended to keep traffic moving but slowed commutes and required detours for some drivers. On Dec. 11, the DOT had already reopened exit 27 after it had been closed for months, restoring direct access to Bushnell’s Basin — a significant relief for local traffic patterns and nearby businesses.
And this is the part most people miss: reopening lanes now doesn’t mean the project is done. Large bridge jobs are often completed in stages. Crews reopen traffic when a section is safe and functional, then return later to finish remaining pieces, tie-ins, or final paving and landscaping — usually during the next construction season when weather and funding lines up. In this case, the DOT has said that work will continue in 2026, which likely means additional lane shifts, short-term closures, or nighttime work to complete the contract.
Controversial point: $60 million is a big price tag, and opponents might argue about whether the phasing and timing were the best approach, or whether the public was inconvenienced longer than necessary. Supporters, meanwhile, will point to safety upgrades and the long-term payoff of a brand-new bridge. Which side do you fall on?
If you want to read more about the earlier reopening of exit 27, local coverage reported on that Dec. 11 change and how it eased access to Bushnell’s Basin. For now, enjoy the wider roadway — but plan for future work next year if you travel that corridor. Do you think temporary reopenings like this are helpful planning moves or just public relations band-aids? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments.
