Western New York Welcome Center
Grand Island Gateway
Inspired by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Grand Island’s new Welcome Center represents the gateway to world-class destinations and historic sites throughout Western New York. The stop between the I-190 southbound ramp and Alvin Road features shopping, eating and cafe style seating.
Travelers are welcomed by a Great Lakes shipwreck-themed children’s play area, an I LOVE NY sculpture, and traveler accommodations including a motorcycle shelter, pet comfort area, and ample parking for cars, buses, RVs, and trucks.
As a subconsultant on a term contract for New York State Thruway Authority, Azar Design Co provided site/civil and transportation engineering services. Our engineers developed site layout, traffic analysis, grading and drainage design, water service planning, permitting, construction documentation, cost estimating, and Work Zone Traffic Control (WZTC) plans.
We provided traffic count summaries, analyzed vehicular circulation, designed lane widths and curvature, and handled grading for the surrounding driveways, parking areas, and stormwater management, green infrastructure, and landscape areas.
Additionally, we developed construction plans for fire and domestic backflow prevention and designed an 8-foot retaining wall for the bus parking lot. Signage, striping, and wayfinding signs were strategically placed on Alvin Road to ensure clear navigation.