After decades of only pedestrian and metro rail traffic, the 600 block of Main Street between Tupper and Chippewa streets will see automobile traffic returrn. The design work, now 70 percent complete, will be done by April and the project bid in May. Construction on the $8 million project could begin this fall or sooner and be completed next year.
By the time the metro rail officially opened in 1984, occupied storefronts along Main Street were already dwindling. The hope is that returning traffic to the 600 Block will potentially reverse some of this. The long-range plan is to introduce automobile traffic to all of Main Street between Goodell and Scott streets.
Southbound vehicular traffic in the block will be guided by a retro style railroad crossing gate at the train tunnel entrance. The gate will be activated when trains are exiting the tunnel. A new fence will be installed around the portal walls.
Streetscape improvements will mirror those done in the 700 block of Main Street and include trees, bike rakes, directional maps and interpretive signage, and upgraded streetlights. On-street parking will be added along with bike lanes and three drop-off areas. The existing Theater light rail station will be removed.
Plans call for work between Tupper Street and the portal to be underway this year, and the southern part of the block between the portal and Chippewa Street will start in 2012. Construction will be limited to one side of the street at a time. Pedestrian access will be maintained to all buildings through out the construction period.
Matthews Neilson Landscape Architects and DiDonato Associates led the design work for the project.
City officials are seeking public opinion on the design. See the Buffalo Place website for more information. Comments must be received by February 4.