Buffalo, NY (WBEN) - Two public meetings on the plans to cover a portion of the Kensington Expressway project are scheduled for June 20th at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
"Progress continues to be made on public outreach for the transformative Kensington Expressway project, which will reshape and reunite communities in East Buffalo that have been divided for far too long," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement Friday. "The Kensington Expressway project is a gamechanger for East Buffalo -- helping heal wounds from the past, open new opportunities for local residents, and bring a new sense of life and identity to the community. These public meetings will provide another chance for residents to be heard and I encourage anyone interested in this project to attend."
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Hochul says the June 20 meetings will provide community members an opportunity to learn about the current progress and the options being brought forward for the project. The meetings will feature an open house setting with several stations, project leaders, and subject matter experts to talk with the community, explain details, and answer questions.
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Earlier this year, it was announced that a $55.59 million Capital Construction Grant had been awarded to the Kensington Expressway project through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Program. The program, established by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a first-of-its-kind initiative to reconnect communities that are cut off from opportunity and burdened by past transportation infrastructure decisions. The Kensington Expressway project is one of 45 projects receiving a historic $185 million in grant awards.
In December 2022, DOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, completed the Scoping Report for the Kensington Expressway project, which identified the build alternative to be advanced for further study in the environmental process. The build alternative includes the replacement of the below-grade expressway with a six-lane tunnel between Dodge Street and Sidney Street and improved community connections. The environmental review is ongoing, while DOT is assessing opportunities to create new open public spaces and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety. The Kensington Expressway carries about 80,000 vehicles per day.
The project also includes the reconstruction of Humboldt Parkway while implementing "Complete Street" roadway design features.
The public hearings will take place at the Buffalo Museum of Science from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm June 20th.