The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) says it will not be appealing a ruling blocking the Kensington Expressway project from moving forward in Buffalo.
Last October, a state Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order barring the DOT from beginning any construction on the project.
Then, in February, New York state was ordered to complete an environmental impact statement before moving forward with the estimated $1.5 billion project.
The state says in part in a statement it is not walking away from the project, but rather will be starting new public engagement efforts:
"In the coming weeks and months, NYSDOT will begin new engagements with the community, laying the foundation for strong infrastructure investments that advance the transportation network across Buffalo. As we honor and respect the many individual voices – including the collective voice of Restore Our Community Coalition - that have advocated for change along the Kensington Expressway, the Department of Transportation will continue to look to the community as we work together to enhance the transportation future for the City of Buffalo and all its residents."
The project was expected to create a tunnel over part of the existing expressway with green space above it.
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