Gov. Hochul announces $44.5 million to replace Best Street Bridge

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the award of a $44.5 million contract to replace the Best Street Bridge over the Kensington Expressway in East Buffalo.

This comes two days after a temporary restraining order was granted to pause work on the Kensington Expressway project.

A "wider, more resilient structure" will replace the bridge to accommodate the creation of a new multiuse path for pedestrians and bicyclists and two new roundabouts. One roundabout will replace the intersections of Best Street with the State Route 33 ramps. The other will replace the intersection between Best Street, Herman Street and West Parade Avenue.

Crosswalks, pedestrian priority signage and nighttime lighting will be added to the new bridge and roundabouts to enhance safety and improve mobility for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Landscaping will also be added to the center of the roundabouts as well as the sides of the multiuse path.

The restraining order was granted Wednesday by a state judge after a group known as the East Side Parkways Coalition (ESP) sought the injunction, describing the project as a “toxic tunnel.”

Completion of the Kensington Expressway Project is expected around 2028.