BUFFALO, N.Y. — A major piece of Buffalo infrastructure is set for redesign.

What You Need To Know

  • The Scajaquada Corridor was named one of the worst roadways in the nation by Freeways Without Futures in 2021
  • Community leaders have four proposals to improve or remove it
  • Some are pushing to remove it and turn it into more green space for Delaware Park

First, the Kensington Expressway. Now, the Scajaquada Corridor — or 198 — is under the microscope as community leaders seek to make it safer and greener.

“At the time it was designed, they said it was safe,” said Louis Haremski, a member of the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition. “But current design standards have shown that this isn’t a safe road anymore on so many different levels.”

According to studies done in 2017 by the New York State Department of Transportation, many drivers disobey the 30 mph speed limit, with some daytime averages reaching 47 mph.

Community organizations like the Scajaquada Corridor Coalition and Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) are looking at four proposals to improve the area. These include keeping the status quo but adding signage, turning the expressway into a boulevard, removing the section that goes through Delaware Park, and removing the Scajaquada altogether.

“We’re trying not to say ‘pick 1, 2, 3, or 4.’ But what are the elements of 1, 2, 3, of 4 that really help satisfy your needs from your own perspectives,” said Hal Morse of GBNRTC.

Haremski said he is pushing to have the expressway removed but is open to ideas that suit the public’s interests.

The GBNRTC is seeking public comment for the next four to six weeks before submitting a proposal to the department of transportation.