The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) recently launched the public engagement process for the "transformative" Kensington Expressway project in Buffalo, New York.
The Kensington Expressway was constructed during the 1950's and '60's replacing the Humboldt Parkway. The original boulevard connected Humboldt Park with Delaware Park.
The $32.8 billion five-year capital plan was adopted as part of the state's fiscal 2023 budget. It includes up to $1 billion for reconnecting the east-west neighborhoods across the depressed section of the Kensington Expressway corridor.
The engagement process for this project will include a series of public meetings, while providing community members with an opportunity to learn about the various options considered for the project, and to provide NYSDOT with feedback. The input from these sessions will help inform the decision-making process for the project.
“The Kensington Expressway project represents a historic opportunity to reshape Buffalo and reconnect communities that were severely impacted by the highway’s construction more than a half century ago,” said Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement.
“My administration is committed to delivering on bold infrastructure projects that will help right the wrongs of the past through transportation networks designed to bring communities together, and routes that are friendlier for pedestrians and bikers,” she said. “It’s critical that the community has a voice in how this project proceeds and these scoping sessions will help us inform members of the public about all the options being considered and allow us to listen to their feedback.”
NYSDOT will consider the comments they have received at public "scoping" session and respond to them in its Project Scoping Report due later this summer.
The agency will also launch a new website for the Kensington Expressway Project on June 29th as another forum for the public to learn about the project.
NYSDOT is currently assessing opportunities to create new open public spaces, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and address noise and air pollution. It is also assessing enhancements to the local roadways to facilitate safe vehicle operations within reconnected neighborhoods.
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Source: AASHTO Journal
