Skyway removal project advances with release of DOT report

Buffalo Skyway boulevard option
Photo credit Buffalo Skyway boulevard option rendering released by Rep. Brian Higgins' office
Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Plans to remove and replace the Buffalo Skyway continue to develop as the New York State Department of Transportation has released an extensive project scoping report that isolates two options for replacing the elevated waterfront highway between Tift Street and the Church Street interchange of the I-190.

One option would replace the skyway with a replacement highway that would carry a 55 mph speed limit and utilize railroad right of way property and include multiple interchanges.  The second option is a boulevard approach that would also use existing properties and railroad right of way and carry a 40 mph speed limit.

Rep. Brian Higgins has long been a chamption of removing the Skyway and prefers the boulevard option that has now emerged.

“Transitioning to a Boulevard with generous, attractive pedestrian and bicycle access provides a new gateway to the waterfront, removes the elevated highway that has separated our neighborhoods from the water for much too long, and expands opportunities for the public to connect with our natural environment,” said Higgins.

While Higgins prefers the boulevard approach, he says both proposals for the Boulevard plan would provide new, safe pedestrian and bicycle access between South Buffalo, West Seneca and the Outer Harbor.

The House of Representatives approved a $1.5 trillion Infrastructure bill on July 1, 2020 and Higgins says there is funding included that can be used for removal of structurally deficient bridges like the Buffalo Skyway.  The legislation must still go before the Senate. 

As the project study and review process continues, Higgins continues to press for the removal of the expansive Skyway structure.