NY DOT to Study Alternatives to Buffalo’s Waterfront Skyway

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Two western New York lawmakers say the state Department of Transportation has agreed to explore alternatives to the 60-year-old elevated highway along Buffalo's increasingly popular Lake Erie waterfront.

Congressman Brian Higgins and state Sen. Tim Kennedy announced Sunday that DOT officials say a full environmental impact study will be conducted for the Skyway, which carries Route 5 over the Buffalo River.

There's been a push in recent years to get the state to tear down the Skyway, with supporters arguing the structure is an eyesore holding back the development of Buffalo's waterfront.

The DOT's environmental impact study will analyze the effects of removing or replacing the Skyway.

Higgins says rehabbing the bridge will cost $100 million, while building a new span could cost more than $75 million. Alternatives could include a lift bridge or a tunnel.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]