ANOTHER Example of Indecision in Buffalo- New Plans for Route 198- September 2019- Buffalo, NY

ANOTHER Example of Indecision in Buffalo- New Plans for Route 198 announced by Gov. Cuomo on September 12th. Just how many times do we have to endure “studies” for Route 198, the Skyway and the Peace Bridge? Pathetic. We call it “excitement, followed by indecision, followed by death.”

Now the Buffalo Niagara Regional Council will guide the planning process comprising municipal, state and federal agencies and create a local steering committee to work with experts and community groups. Didn’t we already go through this? Oh yeah, and it plans to engage the public.  They say this will provide fresh thinking. What is there to think about – one group wants it a park and another group wants to provide traffic flow.

Here is what happened to the last plan in 2018.”New York State Department of Transportation announced it will NOT be moving forward with changes to 198 – Scajaquada Corridor.” Two thirds of the public comments were against the plan.”

Our viewpoint of the “last” plan (is there every going to be a last plan?)

The last plan proposed installing 7 additional traffic lights, 8 total with existing one at Parkside, on 2.2 of the 3.6 miles of the Route 198- Scajaquada Corridor? Given that 70,000 people travel this highway daily, this may be challenging.

2.2 miles=11,616 feet divided by 8 traffic lights =1462 feet or .275 miles. No worries about going 30 mph, you won’t be even able to accelerate that far. When we asked the DOT, they said that maybe during rush hour the lights could be timed. Then, one has to ask, why have the lights in the first place?

This also means that Route I-190 will be backed up further. It has already been voted #43 in the Worst Commutes– Highways to Hell, 16.5 mph. Also consider this is the corridor to CANADA!!

And, there is likely to be increased congestion on Route 33 which already creates back-ups on Route I-90.

And, what are the two top reasons to live in Buffalo-cost of living and less traffic nightmares than other major markets. If Buffalo proceeds with the changes to Route 198 and the Skyway, there are 70,000 from Route 198 and 46,000 vehicles from the Skyway that will now be using Route I-190, I-290 and and I-90 s0 we will now be ranked higher on worst commutes in the US.