Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Engineers of the New York State Department of Transportation are holding more public hearings this Wednesday for the $1 billion Kensington Expressway tunnel and covering, to hear the community's thoughts and opinions of the recently released draft design report and environmental assessment (DDR/EA) that comes before the commencement of construction.
"People will have an opportunity to see what we have done, and at the same time, present their comments and their concerns to shape the future of this project. The main intent today is to update you and the public on what we have done, through every step that we have taken since we started this process has been tied into focusing on reconnecting to community of East Buffalo," said NYSDOT Chief Engineer Nick Choubah.
Choubah highlights some differences in the project plan prior to the initial open house-style meetings held at the Buffalo Museum of Science.
"The tunnel that we had originally proposed, was extended 610 feet to Sydney Street. Also, as an attempt to minimize impact to the neighborhood, the width of the tunnel has been reduced from 150 feet to 114 feet. Also, every [piece of] infrastructure that's needed for the tunnel, the mechanical rooms, will be built underground where possible. No property acquisition will require relocation of any resident or business, there are some right away impact, but that impact is to address sidewalk extension, signal poles, minor in nature. Also, we have proposed a roundabout at Best Street to enhance traffic flow and safety."
In addition, Choubah speaks to the "tree-lined" portion of the Kensington green space covering, which includes opportunity for trees that could grow to 50 feet and also emphasizes air quality, which is said to improve following the completion of this project, where the construction timeline is projected to take approximately four years.
"The top of the tunnel will have a depth of three feet of topsoil that will try to reproduce the parkway and the landscape of what existed prior to the Kensington['s existence]," says Choubah.
"The overall air quality of the area will be better than what it is today. Certainly at the portal or the entrances of the tunnel, we have additional mitigation measures that will take place such as more trees, we're shifting the highway alignment, 16 feet away from the residence. So that gives you a buffer, supplemented by trees and vegetation. Also, we're looking at some new technology where it will actually take the emission, and neutralize it, so it improves air quality. We're looking at all these as we develop the detailed plan."
The projected total project cost is $922 million. Beyond this Wednesday's public hearings, the timeline includes an environmental determination in early 2024, a construction contract by the end of 2024 and break ground before 2025.
Choubah also emphasizes that the Kensington will be operational during construction.
"During construction, the three lanes will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. We have maintained or, at least, committed to maintain access every 1000 feet or 1300 feet. So during construction, you still have that connection that exists today," Choubah notes.
"This project is a symbol of listening to the community. I know we can't solve every issue we have, but certainly together working with the community, we will have a project that meets the needs and also will move towards reconnecting the community of East Buffalo forward."