Town Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan discusses construction work along Union Road during a press conference Monday morning in front of West Seneca Town Hall. Guest speakers also included Darrell F. Kaminski, left, regional director of the state Department of Transportation; Rep. Brian Higgins; and state Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy. Photo by Joseph StanekPurchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com Union Road proved to be the bustling thoroughfare that officials praised it for on Monday, serving as the backdrop for a press conference that detailed its current construction work.

The work, which began earlier this month, includes the milling and resurfacing of the pavement along Union Road, or Route 277. Approximately three miles have been affected, from Michael Road up to the Route 400 expressway ramps, across from Tony Rome’s restaurant.

Several banks, restaurants and other businesses — the largest being Southgate Plaza — exist along this commercial strip. It acts as an artery, connecting Cheektowaga and Orchard Park.

“Union Road is the central point for the Town of West Seneca and home to an active business district,” said Rep. Brian Higgins, who led Monday’s press conference. “Infrastructure projects like this one put local people to work in construction and related fields, and lays the groundwork for an efficient transportation network providing a welcome mat for local businesses that support economic and job growth.”

The $1.3 million project is supported by both state and federal funding, including $800,000 secured by Higgins through the Federal Transportation bill in 2005. This project is at no cost to the town, officials said.

Zoladz Construction of Alden was awarded the contract in April. Construction is expected to be complete by November.

Darrell F. Kaminski, regional director of the state Department of Transportation, said that paving will actually be done by the end of the week but planting season isn’t until October, hence the late fall completion date.

Additional enhancements will include new street markings; signal improvements; and such landscape and streetscape features as updated pedestrian crossings, enhanced crosswalk markings, partial sidewalk replacement, new trees and decorative planters.

“We’re also going to be narrowing the roadway to provide a better accommodation for bicyclists, and the sidewalk and ramp improvements ... will also provide a more walkable community,” said Kaminski.

Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy said Monday that such projects as the streetscape improvement along Union Road don’t happen without partnership at every level.

“There are thousands of trucks and cars that go through Union Road every single day that are transporting goods and people and services,” he said. “We want to make sure that this thoroughfare is as strong as possible.”

Supervisor Sheila M. Meegan thanked the officials for their investment in the community and their “continued efforts and support” into such infrastructure improvements throughout town.

“The bottom line here is they realize the importance of West Seneca,” Meegan said.

email: kmcdowell@beenews.com