NYS ROUTE 198 (SCAJAQUADA EXPRESSWAY) CORRIDOR1 of 3

SEPTEMBER 16, 2015STUDY BACKGROUND

Project History

In 1999, the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, in cooperation with the New York State Department of Transportation and Greater Buffalo-Niagara Transportation Council, initiated a study to find ways address documented transportation and safety concerns while bringing the Scajaquada Expressway into greater harmony with its surroundings. That study resulted in the

of 2005.

NYS Route 198, the Scajaquada Expressway, was originally

Delaware Park, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Over time, the highway began to suffer from peak period traffic congestion and exhibited higher than expected accident rates, due in part to

high-speed facility.

The expressway is also at odds with its rich cultural and recreational surroundings. This became a topic of community discussion in the

Delaware Park Steering Committee began to search for ways to better integrate the roadway into its environment.

different ideas including the addition of a median, four-lane and two-lane facilities, traffic signals, roundabouts, and different speed

recommended further study and refinement of preliminary alternatives to transform the highway.

In 2007, the New York State Department of Transportation took a leadership role in moving a project forward by asking the Federal Highway Administration to initiate an environmental review. Intent to publish an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2007. That document will ultimately describe the effects of proposed activities on the natural, physical, and social environment surrounding the corridor.

This phase of study will ultimately conclude with the selection of a preferred alternative for future implementation.