BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Saying, "the Skyway really was built at a different time for a different city," Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday called for a national search for an alternative to the Skyway.
When asked about how to dismantle the #Buffalo Skyway, @andrewcuomo quipped, "Dynomite...Dyn O Mite". pic.twitter.com/LcqKOO9AWN
— Tim Wenger (@TimWBEN) February 28, 2019
The Skyway, which connects downtown Buffalo to South Buffalo and the southtowns, has long been criticized for its nuisance after areas like Canalside and the Outer Harbor began its redevelopment. During weather events such as the January blizzard and this week's most recent high winds, the Skyway closed to traffic.
"Let's stop thinking about studies and pondering and 'what if', the future is what you make it," said Cuomo in Cheektowaga for a stop billed to discuss tax issues.
Kennedy, who also serves as chair of the state transportation committee, says it's time for progress.
"We've been talking about it for decades that the Skyway is structurally deficient, it's obselete, and it's fracture critical. It's time for us tome come up with a new vision," said Kennedy. "We do it by creating an environment where we get the best designers in our community, across our great state, and across the entire nation to come in and share their vision and to see what that vision could possibly be for our community."
The competition would be administered by the Empire State Development Office and Department of Transportation.
The Skyway recently underwent repairs on the inbound side last summer. Starting in March, the New York State Department of Transportation will begin construction on the outbound lanes. The cost of its repairs are around $30 million.
The Skyway was designed with a 110-foot clearance to accommodate industrial work on the Buffalo River, making the bridge larger and longer. Today, the Buffalo River is primarily used as a recreational waterway, and the elevated highway is no longer necessary. An alternative design of this highway would open up waterfront land that isn't currently accessible and further the revival of Western New York.
