BUFFALO, N.Y. — Millions in federal funding is set to connect East Buffalo to downtown.

U.S. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says a $25 million project will fix the roadway between Goodell Street and Kensington Avenue. 

The project will fix Main Street between Goodell Avenue and Kensington Avenue. It will also revitalize 2.5 miles of the road, adding bikes lanes and making it more walkable.

"Main Street is the City of Buffalo’s backbone, and this infusion of federal funding will strengthen the standing of businesses and neighborhoods all along this stretch," said Congressman Brian Higgins. "This $25 million project makes infrastructure investments that better support the needs of drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians while laying the groundwork for future private sector economic investment."

The project transforms the four-lane roadway into three lanes - one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. The new design will include raised cycle tracks, as well as bump-outs, push buttons, countdown timers and other measures to improve pedestrian crossing. The project also maintains parking on both sides of Main St. and adds decorative lighting with LED bulbs.

“Buffalo, put on your hard hats because Main Street just moved into the fast lane for a $25 million transportation transformation that will improve the Main Street corridor for walkers, bikers and drivers. Our infrastructure should connect, not divide the city, and I am proud to secure this competitive federal grant funding to finally pave over this problem to create a safe, walkable, bikeable street that works for all Buffalonians,” Schumer said. “This major funding, in tandem with historic wins from the Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law will drive the Cars Sharing Main project forward to make the Queen City more equitable and accessible for all.”

The project aims to completely repave the roadway, add crosswalks and ramps in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

“After the most productive weekend of any Senate Majority Leader in recent memory, Senator Schumer has once again proven that that he has never lost focus on Western New York or his commitment to transforming Buffalo’s Main Street,” Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said in a statement. “This $25 Million investment will revitalize Middle Main Street and make it a modern, multimodal gateway that will connect East Buffalo to our downtown core. This is exciting news for the City of Buffalo, the businesses along Main Street, our drivers, pedestrians, bikes, and all who utilize public transit.”

The funding is provided through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.