
Peace Bridge – Gateway Connections Improvement
Construction Inspection
Location: Buffalo, NY
Owner: NYSDOT Region 5
Status: Completed
Construction Cost: $56 Million
The Project
NYSDOT sought to address concerns centered on the use of local streets by cross-border traffic (both cars and trucks) entering and exiting the existing U.S. Border Port of Entry/Peace Bridge Plaza. The goal was to create direct access from the Plaza to the northbound lanes of I-190.
Erdman Anthony was selected to provide construction inspection services for the project.
Features/Solutions
The multi-year staged project involved:
Stage 1
- Temporary relocation of the existing Ramp N while building the lowered tunnel section for the new Ramp N
- Demolition and reconstruction of the existing pedestrian trail and bridge over CSX railway tracks and I-190
- Construction of Ramp D over Ramp N
- Reconnection of Ramp C
Stages 2 and 3
- Traffic shift and reconstruction of Porter Avenue Bridge over I-190 and the CSX tracks – one half at a time
- Construction of the Porter Avenue roundabout, including new ramp connections to the Peace Bridge and I-190
Stage 4
- Reconstruction of Ramp A to the Peace Bridge
- Reconstruction of the pumping-station access road
- Modification of the Front Park entrance and paths; removal of Baird Drive from Front Park
Impacts
The Porter Avenue Bridge over the CSX tracks and I-190 was reconstructed and includes a roundabout with two realigned ramps for safer travel. The Empire State Trail, a pedestrian riverwalk trail, was realigned and includes new bridges over the CSX tracks and I-190. The roadway going through Front Park was eliminated and the park was restored to its original configuration.
