While the Ohio Street project is not 100 percent finished, the thoroughfare has been re-opened to traffic. The dedicated class 1 bike lanes are a nice touch, although I wish that they were anything other than asphalt (similar to the bikes lanes at Buffalo State). There are traditional sidewalks on the opposite side. The streetscape lighting is in place, as are the curbs, curb cuts, etc.
Another nice touch is the street pattern that is found at the foot of Dead Man’s Creek – the surface mimics the look of wooden planks at the inlet. A similar treatment for the bike lanes would have been marvelous.
South Street has been extended past Ohio Street, and now ends where developer Sam Savarino’s Freight House Landing project is slated to be built.
There is a short dog-leg at the end of South Street that leads into a small new parking area where small craft owners can stage and launch canoes and kayaks at a Buffalo River access point.
The dedicated bike lanes extend from Michigan Avenue to the Ohio Street Bridge. Connectivity work is still underway on the other side of the bridge, leading to the Outer Harbor, though that section of the street is also open to traffic.
Ohio Street is now pedestrian and bike friendly. There’s water access and plenty of parkland to play games and picnic. All of this is leading to further private investment along this stretch. It is said that a number of development projects have all been in a holding pattern until the infrastructure along Ohio Street is completed.
It will be interesting to see how The Cooperage fares after the street is complete. It will also be interesting to see exactly what Ellicott Development has planned – the old truck stop has been completely leveled, and there appears to be a foundation underway at the Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse. That site is adjacent to a good amount of riverside acreage also owned by Ellicott Development. Neighborhood residents have heard Ellicott has plans for a residential project for the properties. Stay tuned.