Current one-way section will be returned to two-way traffic, linking Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus with Downtown Buffalo

BUFFALO—Mayor Byron W. Brown and Congressman Brian Higgins today announced the start of construction to return two way traffic to the 700 Block of Main Street, which will open a critical section of Downtown Buffalo to the booming Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus to the north and the planned restoration of car traffic to Main Street south of West Tupper Street. 

“I am pleased that the work to the 700 block of Main Street is beginning.  This is an important step in returning cars to Main Street in Downtown Buffalo, which has been one of my goals since taking office,” said Mayor Brown. “Returning two-way traffic to the 700 Block of Main Street provides the necessary impetus to linking the dynamic development activity of the Medical Campus with the continuing growth of residential, cultural and commercial activity throughout downtown.”

The project was delayed for a few months because of a lawsuit between two of the bidding companies.  During the delay, the City of Buffalo completed the State Environmental Quality Review, or SEQR process.  Last week, work began on infrastructure and tree removal.  All trees that were removed will be replaced after the road and utility work on the 700 block is completed.

“Returning two-way traffic to the 700 Block of Main Street opens up a critical link between our downtown core and the exciting investments taking place along the medical campus and the 800 block,” said Congressman Brian Higgins.  “New access brings new activity to existing theaters, restaurants and businesses and new opportunities for mixed use economic development along Main Street in the immediate future.”

The area stretches from Goodell Street to Tupper.  The work will continue through the fall and into the spring. The project is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2009; the total cost of this phase of the project is $2.4 million.