KENOZA LAKE – A busy intersection on Route 52 across from the historic Stone Arch Bridge is about to get a facelift. 

On Wednesday, May 13, the Delaware Town Board discussed the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to excavate the embankment that abuts Route 52 and rebuild its concrete retaining wall, which is cracked in several spots.

“Construction activities are expected to begin in June and will be substantially complete by late 2026,” said Delaware Town Supervisor Scott DuBois.

DuBois said the DOT plans to install temporary traffic signals at the Stone Arch Bridge on the Route 52A and 52-East intersection and Route 52 Westbound just before the retaining wall. He said they plan to close the lane on the retaining wall side during the summer and that travelers should expect alternating one-way traffic control by the installed lights.

Councilperson Matthew Mullally, who met with project engineers earlier in the week, said, “They’re taking [the existing retaining wall] out, and they’re excavating it back ten or 15 feet into the embankment, and then putting it back up.”

“Isn’t there a driveway that goes there?” asked Highway Superintendent Christopher Hermann.

“Yeah, I don’t know what they’re doing with that,” said Mullally, who added that the DOT plans to widen the road and cited the high volume of trucks passing through as a possible reason.

“It’s going to be a lot higher wall if they’re going back, that’s one heck of a steep bank there,” added Councilperson Alfred Steppich.

DuBois said the DOT plans to finish the roadway project in the fall of 2026 after installing landscaping features and completing miscellaneous roadway and site restoration.