The New York State Department of Transportation has proposed a $5.7 million project to reconstruct parts of a dangerous stretch of the Niagara Falls Boulevard. The areas of focus are the intersections at Ward Road and Witmer Road where vehicle accidents are frequent.
On July 21, the NYSDOT revealed their plan for the project at a public hearing. At Ward Road, the DOT plans to widen the road to make room for left turn lanes as well as replace the box culvert which carries the Sawyer Creek. The plans for Witmer Road include realigning the Oppenheim Park driveway; setting up a new box culvert; and widening the road for left turn lanes.
At other spots along the Niagara Falls Boulevard, the DOT plans to update traffic and pedestrian signaling, construct sidewalks, and implement ADA-compliant curb ramps. Two-lanes of traffic will be maintained for most of the project, though drivers should expect temporary lane closures on all three roads. There will also be a two-week period in which a section of Ward Road be entirely closed to traffic.
As part of the project, the NYSDOT will use eminent domain to acquire parcels of land bordering the roads. Property owners will receive notice of acquisition before any offers are made. If the project goes as planned, bid opening will begin in the spring of 2022 and construction will begin in the summer of 2022. The DOT expects the actual construction to take about a year to complete. The plans, however, are not set in stone. The NYSDOT will continue to accept public feedback on the proposed project online and in writing through August 11. In September, the DOT will report the public’s responses to the initial plans along with a revised design for the project.
Learn more about the eminent domain law in the state of New York.