Niagara County Legislator Chris Robins is raising concerns related to the construction of the Amazon Distribution Center in the Town of Niagara. Robins said there are both immediate issues that need to be monitored during construction and long-term challenges that should be part of regional planning discussions.
“The Amazon project enjoys broad support for the economic impact it will have on the Town of Niagara and the entire region, but there are concerns about traffic flow, both during construction and when the distribution center is operational,” said Robins.
During construction, Niagara County Department of Public Works (DPW) has hired Erdman Anthony engineers to monitor the transportation-related portions of the project being done by Amazon contractors. In a letter to Erdman Anthony, Robins raised five specific areas of focus:
- As we have already had reports of mud and debris on the public roads, closely monitor SWPPP requirements and good housekeeping practices during road construction.
- Understanding the Work Zone Traffic Controls will cause delays on Lockport Road, please monitor and make adjustments to the temporary controls as warranted throughout construction to help traffic flow while maintaining worker safety.
- Continually inspect work zone signage to ensure it is in good condition and clearly visible.
- Request periodic construction updates and public notifications of road and/or lane closures. Consider Variable Message Boards to provide advanced warning of upcoming single lane conditions.
- Maintain clear lines of communication with the county and major employers, such as the NFAFB/NFARS. Be aware of significant events like the NF Air Show to best prepare in advance and minimize construction impacts as is practically possible.
“This construction is going to require some patience on the part of the public, but we must do all we can to minimize the disruption and ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians,” said Robins.
Robins also wrote to the Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC), the region’s metropolitan planning organization for transportation projects, to urge the group to begin thinking about the long-term transportation infrastructure improvements that could be needed as the Amazon project comes on line. Specifically, Robins is concerned about truck traffic entering and exiting Interstate 190 in Niagara Falls.
“It is not difficult to envision the need for a new exit off the 190 at Lockport Rd. to handle what we expect could be very significant truck traffic,” Robins wrote. “Indeed, the already congested intersection at Military/Packard Rd will be seeing ALL of the new truck traffic from Amazon (directly on Packard coming and Lockport/Military/Packard leaving.)”
