State Street construction in downtown Rochester causes some congestion

Rochester, New York – Over the last several months, a construction project in downtown Rochester has stressed some business.

According to some business owners, they’re still wondering when there will be an end in sight.

Construction on State Street is on track to last into November and pick back up next year.

Electrical and water line work continues this week. However, the frustration for some who do business there isn’t letting up.

According to The Pizza Stop manager, Chris Staffieri, the work hasn’t helped business and says the congestion has only caused a headache for customers. “If we haven’t been here for as long as we have, I think we would be in trouble even more,” said Staffieri.

At least one other business has shut down in the wake of construction, he said. “I don’t know if it’s a result of it, but I guarantee it was a contributing factor,” said Staffieri, “I’m hoping they can stay on schedule by next fall, that’d be great, but I’d be afraid there’d be complications that would cause it to take longer.”

The project is anticipated to wrap up by next fall, according to the city’s website.

This week, crews started a new phase of work to repair water and electrical lines, a spokesperson for the city said.

According to Staffieri, he’s skeptical of what the end result will look like and when. “I’m not exactly sure what else the project is. I don’t know what the end goal is. The sooner it can end, the better, for everyone,” said Staffieri.

With the new construction phase, traffic delays are to be expected over the next few months on the stretch of State Street between Broad and Allen streets. Regular updates are posted on various city construction projects, including this one, on the city’s website.