After two public scoping meetings were held yesterday at the Buffalo Museum of Science, we now have a better idea of when the historic billion-dollar project could get underway.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that an environmental assessment has started in East Buffalo, for the historic Kensington Expressway project.

Once the study is complete, hopefully sometime in early 2024, the door will be open for an official groundbreaking to take place.  Hopes are that this will happen sometime by the end of 2024.

Governor Hochul said:

The Kensington Expressway project represents a historic opportunity to right a wrong of the past by reuniting communities, creating jobs, and igniting economic growth throughout the region — helping build a brighter future for East Buffalo.

The Humbolt Parkway, which was a tree-lined street designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted, was replaced by the Kensington Expressway in the 1960s.  The Kensington, or the 33 as most people call it today, was constructed below grade and divided the East Buffalo neighborhood effectively in two.

The two halves of East Buffalo will be rejoined once the billion-dollar project is complete, moving the highway underground.  The project, which will reshape New York State Route 33, will move the section of The Kensington between Best Street and East Ferry Street, including Humboldt Parkway, underground.  Once complete the project will create new green public spaces, enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, and address noise and air pollution.

new website has been set up so residents can continue to stay engaged and updated on the progress of the project.

Photos of the proposed concepts of the project are below.

Kensington Project Concepts

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