Buffalo — Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced work is underway on the second and final phase of the $13.4 million of the Allen Street Complete project, which will improve traffic flow and aesthetics along the entire length of Allen Street, from Main to Wadsworth Street.
“The transformative results of Phase I have already proved a welcome improvement for long-time Allentown residents and businesses, while also accommodating the increased activity fueled by the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and spin-off development,” Mayor Brown said. “I look forward to the positive impact Phase II will have on the remaining section of the Allen Street corridor.”
Work on Phase II of Allen Complete Street project carries a $7.1 million price tag. Funding for this phase includes: $2.8 million from the Federal Highway Administration, $1.9 million from the City of Buffalo, Buffalo Water and Sewer boards, and $2.4 million from various State funding sources.
“This is a critical investment that is enhancing Allentown’s active and unique commercial and residential neighborhoods. The design features numerous elements that not only improve traffic flow and walkability, but also better connect the community to this special corridor,” Mayor Brown said.
“This federal investment improves the walkability and pedestrian safety in one of Buffalo’s most historic and iconic neighborhoods,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “These improvements will help support the vibrant retail and cultural amenities that Allentown offers.”
Full street reconstruction will include the complete replacement of the street bed and sidewalks and will feature flexible parking that can be blocked off for other uses at various times, new lighting, landscaping and street furniture. The final phase of the Allen Street Project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2022.
Initial utility work got underway November 30, between Delaware and Elmwood Avenues, resulting in closure of the westbound lane of Allen Street from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. ‘No Parking’ zones are in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the work. The eastbound lane and sidewalks on both sides of Allen Street remain open.
“Installation of a new sewer will be followed by a 24-inch water main replacement. When that utility work is completed, full street reconstruction will follow,” said Michael J. Finn, P.E., Commissioner of Public Works, Parks & Streets.
The $6.3 million Phase I of the Allen Street Complete project kicked off in March 2019 and was completed in October 2020. The transformed section of the project, between Main Street and Delaware Avenue, has greatly improved access, parking, streetscape, and driven new investment along what is one of downtown Buffalo’s busiest and best known corridors.
As with Phase I, the City has arranged for a construction support team to act as a community liaison to work with residents, business owners and the contractor to ensure that lines of communication are open, and everyone is advised of the timing and progress of Phase II construction.
Bergmann Associates is responsible for the daily construction inspection and communication with the community. Destro & Bros Concrete Co. is the project’s general contractor.
