BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....A decade ago, literally, as the Conventus building opened as part of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, there was a promise and pledge made to rebuild a well-worn stretch of Main Street from Goodell Street north to Kensington Avenue.
After 10 years of delayed - some caused by push back from some Republican senators in Washington and stalls from the City of Buffalo - the much talked about and anticipated $70 million project is finally getting underway.
"Let's face it, Main Street is a wreck," said Mayor Sean Ryan. "It has been a wreck for far too long."
Funds are coming from federal, state and local dollars.
The project is a lot more than just patching potholes and crumbling streets. It as much about optics.
"Main Street is everyone's street," said Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart.
Congressman Tim Kennedy, who secured nearly $42 million in federal funds for the project said he hopes this becomes a catalyst for new, private sector-backed projects along that stretch of Main Street.
"Let's hope private sector dollars follow public sector dollars," Kennedy said. "And, I think it will."
The 2.5 mile-long project, which is expected to take three years to complete, will basically rebuild a stretch of Main Street beginning near the northern edge of the central business district to just beyond Canisius University.
Main Street will be getting a new roadway, better lighting, bike lanes, ADA compliant sidewalks.
Work will start on the west side of Main Street, starting at Goodell Street and then headed north towards Kensington Avenue.
Officials said there will be lane restrictions during the construction phase and some on-street parking options may be temporarily removed.
Complete Main Street rebuilding effort to begin next week
Complete Main Street rebuilding effort to begin next week
