North Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) Officials in North Tonawanda received strong feedback as they consider a re-design of Twin Cities Memorial Highway,
or Rt. 425.
"It's a major divide," North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec said on WBEN.
About seventy people turned out Wednesday night for a public meeting.
"I think a majority of our residents and business owners are receptive to a redesign," said Tylec.
He added, removing the divide is part of a state initiative as well. "It's similar to the Kensington Expressway, but not as controversial."
There are six lanes that cut through the city and then it turns into a one way street at Nash Rd. Tens of thousands of vehicles use it everyday.
"People want to see fewer intersections. Some people like roundabouts, some don't. And traffic lights are confusing. We've had accidents and a couple of pedestrian deaths," noted Tylec.
The city is working with the State Department of Transportation, Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council and others to evaluate it.
Tylec said this is part of the process. "We want to understand what the community wants and we want to hear from people who use Twin Cities on a daily basis."
The city received a half million dollar grant from former Congressman Brian Higgins about two years ago for the project. Tylec said they will be in search of federal funding for the project.