NYSDOT Press Release - STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES START OF $7.8 MILLION RESURFACING PROJECT ON KENSINGTON EXPRESSWAY

Contact: Susan Surdej, (716) 847-3239
Release Date: May 24, 2022

NYSDOT Press Release - STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES START OF $7.8 MILLION RESURFACING PROJECT ON KENSINGTON EXPRESSWAY

New Road Surface Will Ease Travel Along Entire Length of Heavily Traveled Commercial and Commuter Route

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that a $7.8 million project that will resurface the entire length of the Kensington Expressway (also known as State Route 33) from the Elm/Oak Arterial to State Route 240 in the City of Buffalo and Town of Cheektowaga in Erie County will begin in early June. The project will improve travel and enhance safety along a heavily traveled roadway that connects downtown Buffalo to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and suburbs to the east.

"Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is investing in infrastructure projects that bring people together, strengthen communities and keep our economy growing," said Commissioner Dominguez. "The Kensington Expressway is a vital artery and this resurfacing project will help give motorists in the Buffalo area a smoother ride as we work to make the corridor even better for both those who use the highway and those who live around it."

The pavement rehabilitation project will mill and resurface approximately six centerline miles of the expressway and ramps with a new layer of asphalt. Pavement striping and traffic signs will also be replaced within the project limits to enhance visibility for motorists. Curb ramps located along the expressway's entrance and exit ramps will be replaced to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and fencing located on the raised median between the Locust Street and Goodell Street exits will be replaced.

The new road surface and other enhancements will also help ensure the continued flow of people and commerce along the six-mile Kensington Expressway corridor as NYSDOT advances a separate, independent project to reconnect and restore the east-west neighborhoods that were divided by the construction of the highway more than six decades ago. In January, Governor Hochul announced that NYSDOT was commencing an environmental review of alternatives for reconnecting and restoring the neighborhoods that were divided by the construction of the Kensington Expressway.

Construction work on the Kensington Expressway for the pavement rehabilitation project will be scheduled to meet the objectives of the state's Drivers First Initiative and minimize traffic disruptions. Significant lane restrictions or closures will occur primarily at night or during off-peak hours. Posted detours will be monitored to ensure good traffic flow.

Senator Tim Kennedy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said "Harsh winters and heavy daily traffic have taken a toll on the Kensington Expressway, and this much needed resurfacing project will ensure a smoother commute along this integral, connective route. By investing in our roadways, we're investing in our greater economy and workforce, and this project is yet another example of New York building back better post-pandemic."

Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, said, "I applaud and thank DOT for the upcoming resurfacing of the Route 33 Kensington Expressway. Please remember to drive safely, especially in work zones. While this $7.8 million project will cause an inconvenience of traffic and lane closures, motorists will ultimately reap the benefits of less wear and tear on their vehicles, keeping hard-earned money in their pockets to spend on their households,"

Assemblymember Monica Wallace said, "The Kensington Expressway is a vital thoroughfare for thousands of residents of the City of Buffalo and the eastern suburbs. Unfortunately, a historic injustice occurred when a major commercial corridor and parkway in a predominantly Black neighborhood was destroyed to make way for the expressway, which also divided the community. I thank Governor Hochul and the state Department of Transportation for maintaining this vital roadway as we move ahead on plans to partially cover the expressway, unite the neighborhoods, and restore this much-needed public space on the East Side."

Motorists are reminded that fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. In accordance with the Work Zone Safety Act of 2005, convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual's driver license.

Follow New York State DOT on Twitter: @NYSDOT and @NYSDOTBuffalo. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NYSDOT.

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