Hard Rock Unveils $35 Million Traffic Plan for Eastern States /West Springfield-Agawam Corridor
West Springfield, Mass. ? April 11, 2013 ? Hard Rock International ? owner of one of the world?s most recognized, iconic brands ? unveiled the most extensive traffic study and implementation plan ever completed for the Eastern States/West Springfield-Agawam Corridor on Wednesday, April 10. During the presentation, Hard Rock executives, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) leaders and local engineering company, Tighe and Bond, quantified the traffic investment, valued at more than $35 million, with a plan to improve long-existing traffic congestion on Memorial Avenue and surrounding connector roads. The traffic plan followed Hard Rock?s application submission to develop Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass.
Primary initiatives outlined in the plan include:
- New Route 5 Interchange: A secondary means of ingress/egress into the Eastern States Exposition site, creating a clear, direct path into ESE and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England, while providing congestion relief throughout the entire area.
- Memorial Avenue Renovation: Major improvements to include a widening from four lanes to five lanes, extending from Memorial Bridge Rotary to Circuit Avenue, as well as improved signalizations, beautifications and pedestrian walkways.
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MDOT) Synchronization: Enhancements to be synchronized with MDOT projects at Memorial Bridge Rotary and Morgan-Sullivan Bridge, to insure the maximization of projects already planned and/or funded.
- ESE Campus Circulation and Parking: Upgrades within ESE to provide enhanced entry and exit.
?Eastern States Exposition is excited to share a comprehensive plan with its neighbors and hometown, which will dramatically improve traffic and parking throughout the corridor,? said Eugene J. Cassidy, president and chief executive officer of Eastern States Exposition. ?Extensive traffic improvements are necessary, and this plan represents the best opportunity for the community to address infrastructure to this degree.?
?Hard Rock International is confident this investment and our site acquisition efforts will alleviate congestion, expedite ingress and egress and improve traffic flow throughout the entire year,? stated Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen. ?Hard Rock is committed to improving the roadways and surrounding areas in the West Springfield community and we believe this plan is a strong traffic solution for the Big E Fair, businesses and residents along Memorial Avenue.?
Internationally recognized as a world-class entertainment and lifestyle brand, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all ? music. Hard Rock?s portfolio of Hotels and Casinos are located in the world?s most enviable resort destinations, as well as urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today?s cosmopolitan, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel.
For more information or to book a stay at any of the Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos, please visit www.hardrockhotels.com.
Hard Rock International
With a total of 179 venues in 57 countries, including 141 cafes, 18 hotels and 8 casinos, Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. HRI owns the global trademark for all Hard Rock brands. The company owns, operates and franchises Cafes in iconic cities including London, New York, San Francisco, Sydney and Dubai. HRI also owns, licenses and/or manages hotel/casino properties worldwide. Destinations include the companies? two most successful Hotel and Casino properties in Tampa and Hollywood, Fl., both owned and operated by HRI parent company The Seminole Tribe of Florida., as well as other exciting locations including Bali, Biloxi, Chicago, Cancun, Las Vegas, San Diego and Singapore. Upcoming new Hard Rock Cafe locations include San Jose. New Hard Rock Hotel projects include Aruba, Riviera Maya, Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen and Haikou in China. New Hard Rock Casino projects in development include Hungary and Northfield, OH. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com, www.hardrockhotels.com, www.facebook.com/hardrock, or www.facebook.com/hrhcnewengland.
Eastern States Exposition
Eastern States Exposition is the home of The Big E, the 8th largest fair in North America, 120 consumer and trade shows, Storrowton Village Museum, an authentic reconstructed 19th century township, and Storrowton Tavern, a landmark restaurant. The 175-acre Exposition is located at the crossroads of New England in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The Big E takes place for 17 days each September, with 1.3 million visitors. It features top-name entertainment, unique fair foods, Big E Cream Puffs, a circus, the Avenue of States, Early American re-enactors in Storrowton Village, a Mardi Gras Parade, animals, rides and shopping during the region?s most colorful season. The annual Big E, the only fair to represent more than one state, promotes the agriculture and culture of New England and has an economic impact of $225 million on Hampden County. Eastern States Exposition is a not-for-profit corporation committed to excellence in providing year-round opportunities for the development and promotion of agriculture, education, industry and family entertainment while preserving our New England heritage.