Construction Watch: Canal Side Streets

Off topic, but when will construction on the 600 Block (Theater District) of Main Street finally start?

This is great to see. I know it's a small detail compared to the whole Canal Side picture (all of which I hope succeeds, is built well, and compliments things around it) but this is one of my favorite parts of the area. Once you know the incredible history of the harbor it is hard not to route for things that honor it's past and help the future.

Nice to see some progress. Looks like in the top photo they have a road going directly into one of the supports of the skyway. Perhaps a truck will "accidentally" Smash into it making the skyway unsafe. Wishful thinking anyway. I'm looking forward to reading complaints that they're using the wrong curb stone, as if that's going to be huge negative impact even with so many other bigger issues out there.

Good lord one of the skyway uprights cuts into the Hanover street right of way? Really? Sure as heck example of how this damn skyway cheapens this project. Its just silly to put in a street with concrete pillars rising up out of the ROW. The top picture shows this.

They going to run sidewalks right into the pillars as well on that side of Hanover Street? Talk about ruining the streetscape and pedestrian corridor. If the hope was to create a vista connecting to the water I can't see how this helps.

It'll be great to hang out under the 4-lane highway soon or maybe even rent an "upscale apartment" under it. If Brown had any real clout or vision, he'd close the Skyway and say "That's it" and leave it closed until it is gone. It would be a great tv opportunity for him too, standing in front of the ramps downtown and declaring it "a defining day for the City of Buffalo." If people can find their way around when it is closed for inclement weather, they certainly could do it in the sunshine.

The skyway will come down.

The skyway does look out of place and cuts through a street and sidewalk. Not very pedestrian friendly in what is suppost to be a "Destination". Good ol' Buffalo with it's wishfull thinking (I'm talking about it's planners)

Thanks for the pictures.

I have my fingers crossed that the whole inner harbor project will work. So far so good.

Can't wait for a restaurant/bar to open up on the new prime street...a la pearl street pub.

Go Buffalo.

It is great to see concept drawings turning in to reality. Excellent job Erie Canal Harbor.

I was down there on tuesday and was surprised at how much work they got done so far. It is awkward to see one of the streets lead you right in to a pillar from the skyway but to my understanding they are constructing a roundabout around that pillar, which is not historically accurate but who cares anymore, just get it done! Does anyone know when they will start excavating the prime slip?

Also, personally, I would love to see an ESPN Sports Zone built down on the Inner Harbor. You would be surprised how many people this sports bar draws in. With HSBC arena right there, it makes sense, and it will be packed when the Sabres make it to the playoffs.